The president of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Sorin Grindeanu, said on Friday that the Social Democrats will introduce a bill to ban the sale of shares in high-performing state-owned companies.

He stated during a press conference held in Sighetu Marmației that the ban will be in effect for a period of two years.

‘The PSD opposes the sale of profitable state-owned companies. I want to make a distinction between these things so there is no confusion. (…) I asked the Senate leader, Daniel Zamfir, to submit a bill to Parliament to do this and to ban, for a period of two years, the sale of shares in profitable state-owned companies,” said the PSD leader.

On Friday, Grindeanu met with PSD leaders from the northwestern region in Sighetu Marmației. He also attended a meeting of the League of Local Elected Officials in Maramureș.

Deputy Prime Minister Oana Gheorghiu announced that she presented an exploratory list regarding the possible stock market listing of certain state-owned companies at Thursday’s cabinet meeting. She made these remarks after being asked whether the listing of CEC Bank and the Bucharest National Airports Company was being considered.

“It’s a proposal; it’s a list for exploratory purposes only—an exploratory list. We haven’t made a decision or a political commitment. An exploratory list means that, at the level of specialists from AMEPIP and within the Cabinet, we have looked at which companies could be listed following discussions with capital market experts, but to take the next step, a feasibility study is needed to determine whether these companies are eligible for listing. “The listing process is a complex one that must be carried out by specialists who deal with this,” stated Oana Gheorghiu at a press conference at Victoria Palace.

In the briefing note presented at the government meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister for State-Owned Enterprise Reform also presented a list of state-owned companies proposed for stock market listing, which require a minimum of 6–12 months of preparation: CEC Bank, proposed approach: IPO – mixed offering (new shares + state stake); Constanța Maritime Ports Administration – FP sells 20% stake/mixed offering; Bucharest National Airports Company – FP sells 20% stake/mixed offering; National Salt Company (Salrom) – FP sells 49% stake/mixed offering; Romanian Lottery – mixed offering (new shares + state-owned stake); National Printing House – IPO – mixed offering; Cuprumin-Roșia Poieni Deposit – strategic partnership (JV), not an IPO on the BVB; Romarm/Cugir Mechanical Plant – IPO conditional on legislative changes; Romanian National Postal Company – IPO – FP sells 6.48% or mixed offering following a feasibility study.

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan also stated on Thursday that a list of companies that could be listed on the stock exchange through the sale of minority stakes is currently being compiled, depending on each company’s profile.

‘The state will remain the majority shareholder, and control over strategic decisions will be fully maintained. Among the companies under consideration are Hidroelectrica, Romgaz, and CEC Bank, while for others, such as Transgaz, the Port of Constanța, or Poșta Română, the process depends on the fulfillment of certain prerequisites. “This phase will contribute to the development of Romania’s capital market, increased transparency, and improved performance of state-owned companies,” Prime Minister Bolojan emphasized.

Source: AGERPRES