WAR IN GAZA – The Israeli army launched a new land attack in Gaza,
targeting Hams combatants. Infantry and tank units were supported by gunships
in their assault. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said troops are preparing
for an all-out land assault, which has been repeatedly postponed due to the
Pentagon’s request. US officials asked for additional time to set up its Patriot
missile systems in its bases in the Middle East. According to the Pentagon,
some 900 US servicemen have been deployed to the Middle East to strengthen the
US presence in the region.
APPEAL – EU leaders met in Brussels on the sidelines of the European
Council meeting to call for a humanitarian break in hostilities between Israel
and Hamas, in order to allow the distribution of aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
Insignificant amounts of medicine and food have over the last days reached the
strip, currently targeted by Israeli attacks in the wake of the October 7 Hamas
terrorist attacks. The European Council also decided to make efforts to
organize an international conference in order to identify short- and long-term
solutions. The long-term target is a two-state solution. Hamas will not take
part in the conference as it is deemed a terrorist organization that must be
disbanded. With tensions escalating across the Middle East, the pressure from
migratory flows also increased in Europe. The Migration Pact was another topic
on the agenda for talks, which also focused on the need for the EU to increase
its budget so as to tackle the issue jointly with the countries of origin. The
EU leaders agreed to adjust the multiannual budget to address four priorities:
migration, support for Ukraine, support for the calamities in Europe and the
EU’s economic competitiveness. Representing Romania in the European Council
meeting is president Klaus Iohannis.
DECREE – The Government is expected to pass a new emergency decree
to cut public spending. The decision follows the ratification by president
Klaus Iohannis of a law on fiscal and budget measures, which introduces new
taxes and eliminates some tax breaks. Part of these provisions will take effect
over the next few days, while the rest on January 1, 2024. The measures are not
however enough to curb the budget deficit by the end of the year, and Romania
risks losing dozens of billions of Euro worth of European funds. The draft
emergency decree was submitted for debate on Tuesday. It is expected to impose
new spending restrictions for public institutions and city halls, including the
organization of festivals and competitions. Local authorities will be prevented
from signing new agreements for the purchase of office supplies, other goods
and maintenance services or repair works. The draft decree also stipulates that
all salary rights dictated by courts of law will be paid starting 2024,
including for teachers and magistrates. Romania’s budget deficit stood at 3.55%
of the GDP at the end of September.
ATTACK IN THE US – Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, has
conveyed a message of condolence to his American counterpart Joe Biden in the
wake of the armed attack in Lewiston, Maine. Romania stands with the American
citizens and the families of the victims, to whom we convey our compassion. We
also wish speedy recovery to the wounded, the president’s message reads. At
least 22 people were killed and dozens of others were wounded in an armed
attack in Maine, where the suspect is still at large.
FEAST DAY – Orthodox Christians in Romania are today marking the
feast day of Saint Demetrius of Basarabov, also known as Saint Demetrius the
New, the patron saint of Bucharest. A pilgrimage to his relics and the reliquary
of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki brought over from Greece continues today in
the capital-city. Saint Demetrius the New lived south of the Danube in
present-day Bulgaria. After his death, his relics were found by locals after
the saint appeared in the dream of an ill young girl, indicating the place
where his body lay. The relics were given to Romania as a gift during the
Russian-Turkish War, in 1774.
DST – Daylight Saving Time ends on October 29 in Romania, when 4AM
will become 3AM, making Sunday the longest day of the year. In 2023, Romania
switched to DST on March 26 to benefit from daylight. (VP)