The ruling Action and Solidarity group in Parliament adopted in final reading a set of amendments to the pension system amid angry protesting by the opposition.

As MP Dan Perciun (PAS), the bill’s creator, prepared to take the floor, members of the Soc-Com and Shor groups blocked the rostrum, wielding banners and shouting slogans.

Deputy Speaker Vlad Batrîncea (Com-Soc) said the matter was too important to be debated “in a hurry” today, demanding that it should be postponed and subjected to “genuine” public consultation.

“We must not transform Parliament into a voting machine. Let us remind you that you held the first reading on this bill during the night, so we kindly ask you to remove this item from the agenda”, declared Batrîncea.

In response, Speaker Igor Grosu said the request to remove it was already put to a vote and was rejected.

Dan Perciun proceeded to present the report from his seat as the opposition continued to shout “shame on you!”.

Eventually, the bill was adopted with the vote of 53 PAS lawmakers.

As a result, beginning on January 1, the standard retirement age for men will be 63 years. For women, the retirement age will rise gradually, in six month increments, beginning with 59½ years on January 1, 2022 to 63 years in 2028. Men with contributory periods by five years longer than the standard, and women with contributory periods by three years longer than the standard will be entitled to early pensions. The indexation method has changed to once a year by a factor of 50% of the actual economic growth in the current year.