Romania's parliament

Members of the Intelligence Commission in Romania's Parliament will soon be popping up unannounced in the coming weeks in the offices of Romania's Intelligence Service, SRI.

The move follows a controversy over the SRI's alleged cooperation with Romania's anti-graft watchdog, the DNA.

Romania's parliament is to discuss the proposed legislative changes before the end of April, amid claims that members of the ruling Social Democratic Party are still pushing for the pardoning of people convicted of graft despite huge public opposition.

As protesters came out onto to the streets of Bucharest on Monday for a 14th consecutive night of anti-government protests, Romania's parliament agreed to hold a referendum on fighting official corruption.

A total of 310 MPs voted in favour of the referendum proposed by President Klaus Iohannis, which is intended to bolster support for the fight against corruption.

Romania's parliament on Wednesday rejected prosecutors' requests to allow the arrest of Sebastian Ghita, a wealthy businessman and lawmaker who has been indicted for creating an informal network of power that was used to "determine the appointment of several persons in important positions".

A total of 176 MPs rejected the request, while 107 MPs backed it.

Romania's parliament on Tuesday approved a new board for the state-owned television company, TVR, which comprises representatives of all political parties, the government, the President and the TVR labour union.  

The 13-member board was approved by 312 votes in favour and 21 against.

George Orbean, a journalist and media consultant, is to become the new boss.

Romania's National Liberal Party, PNL, says it will formally ask the new "technocratic" government of Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos. to pass an emergency ordinance amending the electoral law, so that elections for mayors and county council presidents take place in two rounds.

Local elections are scheduled for the middle of 2016.

Romania's parliament on Tuesday approved the new government of Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos by 389 votes in favour to 115 against.

"We want to act efficiently and achieve good results, so that people regain confidence in public policies. Parliament will have a reliable partner in the government," Ciolos told MPs after the vote.

Romania's parliament may force supermarkets to sell more domestic fruits, vegetables and meat in a move to support local farmers.

A draft law passed on Tuesday said 51 per cent of products sold in big storses will have to be produced or grown in Romania.

Romania's Parliament on Tuesday rejected a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Victor Ponta filed by the opposition over a corruption scandal.

The motion, which was filed by the National Liberal Party (PNL), was backed by 207 MPs while eight voted against it. It needed at least 275 votes to pass. It was the second no-confidence vote against Ponta in four months.

Romania's parliament on Tuesday is to debate a no-confidence motion on the rule of the centre-left government of Victor Ponta, but its chances of success are seen as low.

The motion tabled by the opposition National Liberal Party, PNL, slams Ponta for refusing to resign after he was indicted and faces trial on corruption-related charges.