A simple motion tabled by the opposition Social Democrats (PSD) demanding moves to put an end to what the PSD calls the degrading living standards in Romania was passed by the Romanian Senate on Tuesday. The initiators of the motion demand an end to increasing prices for natural gas produced in Romania, protection measures for averagea and low-income citizens and the presentation in the Parliament of a national program to combat poverty.

Senate speaker Nicolae Vacaroiu said after the vote that the motion becomes a must for the Government.

The initiators of the motion demand the government to start real negotiations with the Russian Federation to stop increasing natural gas and coal prices imported from Russia. They also press for a Romanian participation in alternative fuel transport projects towards Western Europe.