Sorin Grindeanu distances himself from AUR's proposal regarding kissing the flag: “I do not encourage things of this kind”

PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu distances himself from the AUR bill regarding National Flag Day, an initiative that provides for mandatory patriotic gestures and sanctions for those who fail to comply with them. Although among the signatories are also Social Democratic lawmakers, Grindeanu said that he does not support such measures, arguing that patriotism and love of country should not be demonstrated through obligations imposed by law.

The bill submitted to the Chamber of Deputies provides for fines of up to 10,000 lei for officials who refuse to kiss the tricolor and sanctions for failing to participate in ceremonies dedicated to National Flag Day. In certain situations, an absence deemed voluntary could be investigated as abuse of office. The initiative also establishes rules for religious ceremonies and for the content broadcast by radio and television stations.

UDMR announced that it would not support the bill, citing a violation of the autonomy of religious denominations and religious freedom. Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan also criticized the idea, saying that patriotism and faith are personal experiences. USR called the provisions a “ritual of submission” and accused AUR of turning respect for the flag into an administrative obligation.

Read also Sorin Grindeanu would pressure Kelemen Hunor to vote for a PSD government, using the AUR bill on National Flag Day