Personal networks and parliamentary experience: why opposition initiated legislative proposals are adopted

Abstract There is extensive research on legislation co-sponsorship, but information on why opposition-initiated legislation is adopted is scarce. This article fills this gap by identifying the reasons behind legislation adoption in Romania in the 2020–2024 parliament as the least likely case where opposition could push laws through. Our thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with MPs shows the importance of personal networks, parliamentary experience, budget impact, and public pressure. In some instances, especially with salient issues, proposals’ innovation and specificity also boosted their adoption. Somewhat counterintuitively, constituency interests, ideological proximity, and MP expertise did not matter.