AUR’s Flag Day bill was postponed for one week in the Defense Committee of the Chamber of Deputies

A bill initiated by AUR to change the way National Flag Day is celebrated was postponed for one week in the Defense Committee of the Chamber of Deputies. The initiative, already adopted by the Senate and under debate in the Chamber, provides for mandatory ceremonies, penalties for officials who refuse to kiss the flag, and new rules for public institutions, schools, and the media.

Under the bill, local authorities would have to designate a “Tricolor Square” equipped with a 30-meter flagpole. Officials attending the ceremonies would be required to kiss the flag, and refusal could be punished with a fine of up to 10,000 lei. The authorities’ failure to participate in the ceremonies would be considered abuse of office.

The initiative also requires public and private television and radio stations to allocate at least 30 minutes to programs dedicated to Flag Day. Detailed ceremonies would be held in schools and military units, including the blessing of the flag and the recitation of a prayer established by law.

The bill was submitted to the Senate in March 2023 at the initiative of AUR lawmaker Mircia Chelaru and was also backed by PSD and PNL lawmakers. The government and the Education Committee issued negative opinions, citing overlapping legislation, administrative costs, and excessive penalties. Critics also pointed out that June 26 generally falls during the school holiday or the examination period.