Senator Ninel Peia insinuated that Ruxandra Cibu Deaconu suffers from autism spectrum disorders, provoking a harsh reaction from USR.

During the Senate debates on a bill proposed by AUR, independent senator Ninel Peia made an insulting remark about his colleague from USR, Ruxandra Cibu Deaconu, suggesting that her mother had consumed too much paracetamol during pregnancy, thus insinuating that she might suffer from autism spectrum disorders. This statement was contradicted by scientific studies that do not support a link between paracetamol consumption and autism. The USR's reaction was swift, demanding sanctions against Peia for his unacceptable language. The leader of the USR senators, Ștefan Pălărie, emphasized that such personal attacks should not be tolerated in Parliament, warning that verbal violence can lead to the acceptance of physical violence. Peia, known for his controversial positions, has also been involved in scandals related to vaccines and sexual education in schools.