Radio România Internațional

Tag: Social Democrats

  • August 24, 2024 UPDATE

    August 24, 2024 UPDATE

     

    CONVENTION Romania’s PM Marcel Ciolacu was reconfirmed as leader of the Social Democratic Party on Saturday, and officially nominated as the party’s candidate in the presidential election. In his address on this occasion, he presented the platform for which he hopes to win the president seat: a 10-year plan with 3 strategic directions: industry, agriculture and services. He argued that with its unity, the Social Democratic Party has managed to regain the confidence of Romanians, and that he offered Romanians “a president for all.” The party last won a presidential race in 2000. In their speeches, the Social Democrats teased their partners in the ruling coalition, the Liberals, and mocked the incumbent president, Klaus Iohannis. The first round of the election is scheduled on November 24, and the second on December 8th.

     

    UKRAINE The president of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, sent a letter to his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Ukraine’s Independence Day. According to the Romanian presidency, Iohannis voiced his appreciation for the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces and civilians in defending their country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reiterated Bucharest’s firm commitment to provide constant, predictable and multidimensional support to Ukraine until its victory and further on in its reconstruction and European integration process. Iohannis emphasized that the security cooperation agreement signed by the 2 countries in July, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, proves that Romania’s support is not circumstantial, but long-standing, predictable and transparent.

     

    CROPS The European Union’s maize output will be smaller because of the drought and extreme heat in Romania, whose crops will be 30% lower. Estimates for the EU’s maize output were cut from 63 million tonnes, as reported last year, to 60-61 million tonnes, which is still above the level in 2022, when the drought affected the entire continent. Romania’s output is expected to drop from around 11 million tonnes last year to less than 8 million this autumn. In France, favourable humidity levels kept maize crops in a generally good condition, and the increase of the areas under crops should ensure higher output, namely over 14 million tonnes. In Poland, smaller areas under maize crops may lead to a 13% drop in output, while in Germany the crops are estimated to be 2% lower.

     

    PENSIONS The National Liberal Party, a junior member of the ruling coalition in Romania, proposes new amendments to the Pensions Law, so as to address the situation of pensioners whose benefits have been cut down in the latest revision. The Liberal leader and Senate speaker Nicolae Ciucă said the law should not have retrospective effect, and confirmed that the pensioners whose benefits have been cut down on paper will not benefit from cost-of-living adjustments for several years, although they will not be paid smaller amounts. According to official data, over 700,000 pensioners have received decisions by which their benefits have been cut down. These include workers in hazardous conditions, such as coal miners, engine drivers and nuclear industry personnel, who were able to stop working before the standard retirement age. Also at a disadvantage are people with disabilities, where the revised benefits are smaller by as much as 60%, for instance for the visually impaired. Hundreds of people are already asking for explanations from the authorities. They have until September 1 to appeal the decisions, and may even take the matter to court.

     

    MUSEUM The Bucharest Children’s Museum has reopened and is waiting for visitors with new guided interactive tours. The most recent of them shows kids the secrets of physics and chemistry. Entitled “The School of Magic – Wizard’s Castle,” it helps children understand physical and chemical reactions in a setting that reminds them of the Harry Potter universe. Apart from the School of Magic, children can enjoy 3 other tours – one devoted to the great ocean explorers, one to the human brain and one to classical fairytales.

     

    TENNIS Monica Niculescu (Romania) / Hanyu Guo (China) have qualified into the doubles finals of the WTA 500 tournament in Monterrey, Mexico. They defeated Tereza Mihalikova (Slovakia) / Olivia Nicholls (UK) 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 10-4. Niculescu and Guo won the match in 2 hours and 10 minutes and received USD 28,720 and WTA 325 points. In the final on August 25, Niculescu and Guo take on top seeded Giuliana Olmos of Mexico and Alexandra Panova of Russia. (AMP)

  • August 24, 2024

    August 24, 2024

     

    CONVENTION Romanian Social Democrats convene today to elect their new leadership and to appoint their candidate in the forthcoming presidential election. The party leader, PM Marcel Ciolacu, seeks a new term in office, backed by a team of 21 candidates. Ciolacu has also announced he will be running for president of Romania, and is to be validated by the party congress today. Another topic on today’s agenda is the election campaign, and the Social Democratic spokesman, Lucian Romaşcanu, said the party is able to mobilise so that in December Romania may have a Social Democratic president. The party last won a presidential race in 2000. The first round of the election is scheduled on November 24, and the second on December 8th.

     

    UKRAINE The president of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, sent a letter to his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Ukraine’s Independence Day. According to the Romanian presidency, Iohannis voiced his appreciation for the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces and civilians in defending their country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reiterated Bucharest’s firm commitment to provide constant, predictable and multidimensional support to Ukraine until its victory and further on in its reconstruction and European integration process. Iohannis emphasized that the security cooperation agreement signed by the 2 countries in July, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, proves that Romania’s support is not circumstantial, but long-standing, predictable and transparent. On Ukraine’s Independence Day, the Cotroceni Palace in Bucureşti, the headquarters of the Romanian presidency, will be lit tonight in Ukraine’s national colours.

     

    CROPS The European Union’s maize output will be smaller because of the drought and extreme heat in Romania, whose crops will be 30% lower. Estimates for the EU’s maize output were cut from 63 million tonnes, as reported last year, to 60-61 million tonnes, which is still above the level in 2022, when the drought affected the entire continent. Romania’s output is expected to drop from around 11 million tonnes last year to less than 8 million this autumn. In France, favourable humidity levels kept maize crops in a generally good condition, and the increase of the areas under crops should ensure higher output, namely over 14 million tonnes. In Poland, smaller areas under maize crops may lead to a 13% drop in output, while in Germany the crops are estimated to be 2% lower.

     

    PENSIONS The National Liberal Party, a junior member of the ruling coalition in Romania, proposes new amendments to the Pensions Law, so as to address the situation of pensioners whose benefits have been cut down in the latest revision. The Liberal leader and Senate speaker Nicolae Ciucă said the law should not have retrospective effect, and confirmed that the pensioners whose benefits have been cut down on paper will not benefit from cost-of-living adjustments for several years, although they will not be paid smaller amounts. According to official data, over 700,000 pensioners have received decisions by which their benefits have been cut down. These include workers in hazardous conditions, such as coal miners, engine drivers and nuclear industry personnel, who were able to stop working before the standard retirement age. Also at a disadvantage are people with disabilities, where the revised benefits are smaller by as much as 60%, for instance for the visually impaired. Hundreds of people are already asking for explanations from the authorities. They have until September 1 to appeal the decisions, and may even take the matter to court.

     

    SCHOOLS Students in secondary schools and high schools in Romania with final grades above 9.50 will receive merits scholarships, under the new School Regulations recently published in the Official Journal. Merit and resilience scholarships will be granted to at least 30% of the students in each class, including in professional and dual education units. Merit scholarships for 5th graders will be granted based on the average grades in the first two modules of the current school year. For 9th-graders, scholarships will be granted based on the high school admission results, which should be above 9.50. Scholarships in public secondary schools and high schools are financed by the education ministry, except for those in military high schools, which will be funded by the defence ministry. For the new academic year, the merit scholarship minimum amount is nearly EUR 90. This amount may be increased by school boards, depending on the budget earmarked by the local authorities. (AMP)

  • Government presents 6-month review

    Government presents 6-month review

    Until recently sworn political enemies, the National Liberal Party and
    the Social Democratic Party were forced to form a government together 6
    months ago. Together with the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania,
    they set out to synchronise their doctrines and form a coalition able to run
    the country until the forthcoming parliamentary elections.


    It took lengthy and careful negotiations to assign the seats in the
    government, and they agreed, among other things, that until the end of November
    2023 the prime minister will be the Liberal Nicolae Ciucă, who will be replaced
    by a Social Democrat for the remaining period until the general elections of 2024.


    The context in which the two parties have to work together is not at all
    easy: the effects of the pandemic, the Russian invasion in neighbouring Ukraine
    with all the problems it entailed, the skyrocketing energy prices triggering increases
    in the price of all products and services and generating record-high inflation,
    with severe repercussions on people’s lives.


    With the parliamentary election still a long way down the road, the
    cooperation between the Liberals and the Social Democrats is smooth, at least
    for the time being. Still, the 2 parties presented a review of their 6 months
    in power in separate meetings.


    The Liberal PM Nicolae Ciucă said the government was gradually drawing
    closer to meeting all the goals listed in the governing programme. He added
    that the ministries worked hard not to waste the unique opportunities the
    country has at this point.


    Romania has the biggest economic growth rate in the EU, and over EUR 90 billion
    available for development and modernisation, as well as the most important
    security guarantees ensured by the EU and NATO membership, Nicolae Ciucă argued.


    In turn, the Social Democratic leader Marcel Ciolacu focused on the
    social and economic measures to support citizens and the business environment
    in the first 6 months in government. He mentioned the raise in minimum wages,
    pensions and child benefits, the winter financial aid granted to low-income pensioners
    and the extension of furlough benefits.


    The opposition sees things differently. After leaving the government
    they had formed together with the Liberals, Save Romania Union now argues that
    Romania is headed for disaster: the government is borrowing money from the
    capital market for the highest interests in the past 20 years, government debt
    is over 50% of the GDP, the inflation rate is record-high, prices are out of
    control, citizens are growing poorer while party clients are getting richer.


    In turn, the nationalist party AUR believes the Social Democrats and the
    Liberals have pushed Romania into bankruptcy by doubling fuel prices and
    selling the natural gas to be extracted from the Black Sea.


    But it is the Romanian voters who will give a final verdict at the
    election in 2024. (AMP)

  • A new government for Romania

    A new government for Romania

    Designated by president
    Klaus Iohannis for the second time in recent weeks to form a new government,
    the Liberal Nicolae Ciucă managed this time around to persuade a majority of
    MPs to endorse his team. This is thanks to the alliance of his party with the
    Social Democrats, who hold the largest number of seats in Parliament, and with
    the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), a junior partner
    of the Liberals in the ruling coalition ever since the 2020 election.


    The USR had also been
    partners in the same coalition, but following disagreements with the Liberal PM
    Florin Cîțu they decided to pull out nearly 3 months ago, and to back a
    no-confidence motion tabled by the Social Democrats.


    For the UDMR, things are
    relatively simple: in the new government team, they get to keep the 3 ministries
    they headed before (regional development, environment and sports) and receive a
    deputy PM post as well.


    The negotiations between
    the Liberals and the Social Democrats, on the other hand, were rather
    complicated. The 2 parties eventually agreed on a rotation of prime ministers between
    them and managed to have the governing programme include vital measures which,
    they claim, are eagerly awaited by their voters.


    Such measures include
    earmarking 7% of GDP for investments, implementing the National Recovery and
    Resilience Plan and using the Anghel Saligny Investment Plan to
    reduce development gaps between the country’s regions. Nicolae Ciucă also promises
    to raise child allowances, minimum wages, and public pensions.


    Virgil Popescu, who will
    stay on as energy minister, announced that as of early next year the mechanism
    protecting consumers from growing energy prices will be revised and measures
    will be taken to ensure households and companies are not affected.


    Sorin Cîmpeanu, who also
    carries on his term in office at the education ministry, says his first
    priority is to set up a committee to work on a new education law.


    As much as 70 billion euro
    will be invested in the next 10 years in transport infrastructure, says the Social
    Democrat Sorin Grindeanu, who also promises full transparency in terms of
    public spending at the transport ministry.


    Another
    Social Democrat, and the only woman in the new cabinet, Gabriela Firea, will be in charge
    of a newly established ministry of youth and family.


    In the context of the ongoing
    pandemic, testing and encouraging citizens to go to the doctor as soon as
    possible, alongside with providing proper healthcare services, are the
    short-term measures planned by Alexandru Rafila, chosen by the Social
    Democratic Party to head the healthcare ministry. Dr. Rafila also spoke about
    the polarisation in the Romanian society and the rift between the vaccinated
    and the unvaccinated.


    The Liberal Cătălin
    Predoiu, who was a justice minister in the past as well, says meeting the terms
    of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism is a goal for the new coalition,
    along with dismantling the special section investigating offences in the
    judiciary and the amendment of the laws regulating the justice system.



    NATO, the EU and the strategic partnership with the USA are the pillars
    of Romania’s defence and security policy, says the new defence minister Vasile
    Dîncu, also backed by the foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu, whose priority
    remains the consolidation of Romania’s role and standing in the EU and NATO. (tr.
    A.M. Popescu)

  • A new government for Romania

    A new government for Romania

    Designated by president
    Klaus Iohannis for the second time in recent weeks to form a new government,
    the Liberal Nicolae Ciucă managed this time around to persuade a majority of
    MPs to endorse his team. This is thanks to the alliance of his party with the
    Social Democrats, who hold the largest number of seats in Parliament, and with
    the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), a junior partner
    of the Liberals in the ruling coalition ever since the 2020 election.


    The USR had also been
    partners in the same coalition, but following disagreements with the Liberal PM
    Florin Cîțu they decided to pull out nearly 3 months ago, and to back a
    no-confidence motion tabled by the Social Democrats.


    For the UDMR, things are
    relatively simple: in the new government team, they get to keep the 3 ministries
    they headed before (regional development, environment and sports) and receive a
    deputy PM post as well.


    The negotiations between
    the Liberals and the Social Democrats, on the other hand, were rather
    complicated. The 2 parties eventually agreed on a rotation of prime ministers between
    them and managed to have the governing programme include vital measures which,
    they claim, are eagerly awaited by their voters.


    Such measures include
    earmarking 7% of GDP for investments, implementing the National Recovery and
    Resilience Plan and using the Anghel Saligny Investment Plan to
    reduce development gaps between the country’s regions. Nicolae Ciucă also promises
    to raise child allowances, minimum wages, and public pensions.


    Virgil Popescu, who will
    stay on as energy minister, announced that as of early next year the mechanism
    protecting consumers from growing energy prices will be revised and measures
    will be taken to ensure households and companies are not affected.


    Sorin Cîmpeanu, who also
    carries on his term in office at the education ministry, says his first
    priority is to set up a committee to work on a new education law.


    As much as 70 billion euro
    will be invested in the next 10 years in transport infrastructure, says the Social
    Democrat Sorin Grindeanu, who also promises full transparency in terms of
    public spending at the transport ministry.


    Another
    Social Democrat, and the only woman in the new cabinet, Gabriela Firea, will be in charge
    of a newly established ministry of youth and family.


    In the context of the ongoing
    pandemic, testing and encouraging citizens to go to the doctor as soon as
    possible, alongside with providing proper healthcare services, are the
    short-term measures planned by Alexandru Rafila, chosen by the Social
    Democratic Party to head the healthcare ministry. Dr. Rafila also spoke about
    the polarisation in the Romanian society and the rift between the vaccinated
    and the unvaccinated.


    The Liberal Cătălin
    Predoiu, who was a justice minister in the past as well, says meeting the terms
    of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism is a goal for the new coalition,
    along with dismantling the special section investigating offences in the
    judiciary and the amendment of the laws regulating the justice system.



    NATO, the EU and the strategic partnership with the USA are the pillars
    of Romania’s defence and security policy, says the new defence minister Vasile
    Dîncu, also backed by the foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu, whose priority
    remains the consolidation of Romania’s role and standing in the EU and NATO. (tr.
    A.M. Popescu)

  • Government survives no-confidence vote

    Government survives no-confidence vote

    The left-of-center Government in
    Bucharest on Tuesday survived the no-confidence motion submitted by the
    right-wing opposition, despite facing obvious difficulties. The
    Social-Democratic Party, the main ruling-coalition party, grabbed only 22% in
    the European Parliament election of May 26, with 0.5% less than the main opposition
    party, the National Liberal Party, and very close to another opposition party,
    the Save Romania Union-PLUS Alliance. The Social-Democrats’ junior coalition
    partners, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, failed to meet the 5%
    election threshold. Adding to the poor result was the imprisonment of the
    Social-Democrat strongman Liviu Dragnea, who got a three year and a half prison
    sentence for corruption.

    All this time Social-Democrat MPs continued to leave
    the party and join the newly-founded Pro Romania Party, led by their former
    Social-Democrat leader, Victor Ponta. Still, the Government led by
    Social-Democrat interim leader Viorica Dancila remains in power, after
    Parliament voted against the no-confidence motion on Tuesday. The document
    grabbed only 200 votes of the 233 necessary in order to pass. While the
    initiators of the motion, the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union,
    the People’s Movement Party and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in
    Romania, have accused the Government of mounting a relentless attack on the
    judiciary and destabilizing the economy, Government officials expressed doubt
    with the opposition’s willingness to take over the Government at this time.
    Liberal leader in the Chamber of Deputies, Raluca Turcan, says the opposition
    has the capacity of taking over and that the no-confidence vote reflects the
    result of the May 26 ballot.


    We can organize a
    Government that should conduct feasibility studies legally and start motorway
    construction works. We could also introduce postal voting for Romanians in the
    Diaspora and correct the legislation in the justice system.


    Prime Minister Viorica Dancila in
    turn reiterated her determination to see through her mandate, arguing economic
    indicators are evidence in favor of the Government’s effective policies.


    It is obvious you have
    no alternative to the Government. Do you really want to change this Government
    before the upcoming election? I know you don’t. You have provided no concrete
    solution for the functioning of the economy in the interest of citizens.


    Political pundits in turn say
    chances are the opposition won’t take over the power at this time, for various
    reasons. For once, the left-wing’s excessively generous social policies will produce
    effects soon, which will need correction. On the other hand, the public system
    is now filled with associates of the ruling coalition, who threaten to sabotage
    any non-affiliated Government. Pundits agree, however, that political parties
    will resume their confrontation in autumn, ahead of the presidential election.

  • Government survives no-confidence vote

    Government survives no-confidence vote

    The left-of-center Government in
    Bucharest on Tuesday survived the no-confidence motion submitted by the
    right-wing opposition, despite facing obvious difficulties. The
    Social-Democratic Party, the main ruling-coalition party, grabbed only 22% in
    the European Parliament election of May 26, with 0.5% less than the main opposition
    party, the National Liberal Party, and very close to another opposition party,
    the Save Romania Union-PLUS Alliance. The Social-Democrats’ junior coalition
    partners, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, failed to meet the 5%
    election threshold. Adding to the poor result was the imprisonment of the
    Social-Democrat strongman Liviu Dragnea, who got a three year and a half prison
    sentence for corruption.

    All this time Social-Democrat MPs continued to leave
    the party and join the newly-founded Pro Romania Party, led by their former
    Social-Democrat leader, Victor Ponta. Still, the Government led by
    Social-Democrat interim leader Viorica Dancila remains in power, after
    Parliament voted against the no-confidence motion on Tuesday. The document
    grabbed only 200 votes of the 233 necessary in order to pass. While the
    initiators of the motion, the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union,
    the People’s Movement Party and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in
    Romania, have accused the Government of mounting a relentless attack on the
    judiciary and destabilizing the economy, Government officials expressed doubt
    with the opposition’s willingness to take over the Government at this time.
    Liberal leader in the Chamber of Deputies, Raluca Turcan, says the opposition
    has the capacity of taking over and that the no-confidence vote reflects the
    result of the May 26 ballot.


    We can organize a
    Government that should conduct feasibility studies legally and start motorway
    construction works. We could also introduce postal voting for Romanians in the
    Diaspora and correct the legislation in the justice system.


    Prime Minister Viorica Dancila in
    turn reiterated her determination to see through her mandate, arguing economic
    indicators are evidence in favor of the Government’s effective policies.


    It is obvious you have
    no alternative to the Government. Do you really want to change this Government
    before the upcoming election? I know you don’t. You have provided no concrete
    solution for the functioning of the economy in the interest of citizens.


    Political pundits in turn say
    chances are the opposition won’t take over the power at this time, for various
    reasons. For once, the left-wing’s excessively generous social policies will produce
    effects soon, which will need correction. On the other hand, the public system
    is now filled with associates of the ruling coalition, who threaten to sabotage
    any non-affiliated Government. Pundits agree, however, that political parties
    will resume their confrontation in autumn, ahead of the presidential election.

  • Meeting of the Social Democrats’ National Council

    Meeting of the Social Democrats’ National Council

    On Sunday, the Social Democratic Party in power in Romania held a National Council meeting. Just one day before the reading in Parliament of a second no-confidence motion filed by the right-of-centre opposition against the government formed by the Social Democrats and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, commentators would have expected the Social Democratic chief Liviu Dragnea to call for solidarity in his party and to urge them to fight against their political opponents. Surprisingly enough, Liviu Dragnea spared the Opposition, which apparently he does not perceive as a serious threat.



    He did, however, deliver a rather harsh speech, read by observers as the birth certificate of the illiberal era for the Social Democratic Party. Dragnea lashed out at the EU, which he claimed held Romania back through the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, at the European Parliament and at the Romanian Socialist MEPs who allegedly want the country to go down, at multinational corporations in the energy, retail, banking and telecoms sectors, accused of taking money out of the country by dodging taxes. He did not forget about President Klaus Iohannis, whom he accused of high treason for stating at some point that Romania is not capable of holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council.



    The Social Democrat leader also rehashed his favourite topic, what he calls the “parallel state, formed of intelligence services and prosecutors who allegedly concoct criminal cases against undesirable people, including Dragnea himself. And this brought him to the much-debated topic of amnesty and pardons. He called on the Government to issue an emergency decree on the topic, in case no other solutions are found to address what Dragnea refers to as “the injustice in the judiciary. As Dragnea put it, “why are words like amnesty and pardons a kind of blasphemy, an atom bomb that we hesitate to use against the EU and the world? I am not afraid to use these words.



    Social Democrat strongmans attack on the EU, his waving the flag of national sovereignty, and his openly stated intentions with respect to the judiciary, did not go uncriticised. “This is a declaration of war against our partners in the EU and NATO, the ravings of a dictator able to send the country plunging into its darkest era, said the National Liberal Party president Ludovic Orban. He called on the Social Democrats to distance themselves from Dragnea and to support the Oppositions no-confidence vote.



    In turn, the leader of Save Romania Union, Dan Barna, warned the Government that passing an emergency decree on amnesty and pardons would be the start signal for a revolution. “We will take to the streets, around the country, and will stay there until the government formed by the Social Democrats and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats falls. We will stage peaceful protests until Romania rids itself of Liviu Dragnea and his corrupt, deceitful and irresponsible regime, Dan Barna said.



    In November, the European Commission asked Bucharest to suspend all the changes to the justice laws and to resume the revision of the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. An amnesty benefiting, among others, the top-level officials sentenced to prison on corruption charges, would only deepen suspicions that the Power in Bucharest sees the judiciary as a mere tool at its disposal. It is in these circumstances that Romania takes over the half-yearly presidency of the EU Council on January 1. (Translated by Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • November 5, 2018

    November 5, 2018

    COURT – The High Court of Cassation and Justice has today potstponed for December 3rd the first hearing in the case where Social-Democrat leader and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Liviu Dragnea was sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment in the court of first instance. In June, the Court handed Dragnea the sentence for instigation to abuse of office. Anticorruption prosecutors say Liviu Dragnea ordered the fictitious employment of two party members at the Social Assistance and Child Protection Directorate. Also on Monday, the High Court of Cassation and Justice is judging an appeal filed by the National Anti-Corruption Directorate against the acquittal of constitutional court judge Toni Grebla. In May, a Constitutional Court 3-judge panel dismissed the charges against Grebla, who had been indicted in 2015 for influence peddling, forgery, financial operations incompatible with his office, and setting up an organized crime group.




    FORUM — Bucharest is hosting today and tomorrow a National Forum marking the official launch of Romania’s presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region. The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is a macro-regional strategy adopted by the European Commission in December 2010 and endorsed by the European Council in 2011. The Strategy was jointly developed by the Commission, together with the Danube Region countries and stakeholders, in order to address common challenges together. The Strategy seeks to create synergies and coordination between existing policies and initiatives taking place across the Danube Region.




    MEETINGS – Romanian Finance Minister Eugen Teodorovici is taking part in Brussels in the meetings of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) and of EUROGRUP. The ECOFIN Council’s agenda includes topics such as the taxation of digital services, the annual report of the European Court of Accounts on the EU budget execution in 2017 and conclusions on the Union’s statistics. Minister Teodorovici will also take part in the conference “Single market, decisive factor of investment in Europe” organized by the European Commission in partnership with European Political Strategy Center.




    VISIT – Romanian PM Viorica Dancila is paying an official visit to Oman, in south-west Asia, where she met with His Royal Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said, First Deputy PM of the Council of Ministers in the country. The two officials have assessed concrete opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, health and education. The Romanian PM’s visit to Oman has occasioned the first meeting between government officials in the two countries, since the establishment of the diplomatic ties in 1974.




    PSD — The National Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party — PSD, the main party of the ruling coalition in Bucharest, is meeting today, with the clear purpose of nominating the leaders of the Financial Supervisory Authority and of the National Council of the Audiovisual. The press speculates that they might also discuss the details of the government reshuffle announced by the PM Dancila. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of increasing tension between the supporters and opponents of the party leader Liviu Dragnea.




    SANCTIONS — Sanctions recently imposed on Iran have entered into force as of today. The Trump administration is restoring all sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal in a bid to pressure Iran. They will hit oil exports, shipping and banks, and make it difficult to do business with this country. President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the nuclear accord earlier this year.




    ROME — Roman and Greek-Catholic bishops from Romania have today started a one-week visit to Rome, where they will meet with Pope Francis. This is the 5th visit to the Vatican by the members of the Episcopal Conference of Romania after the fall of the Communist dictatorship in 1989 and the first visit to meet the current Pope. Joining the conference members is also the Roman-Catholic bishop of neighboring Moldova. We remind you that in 1999 Romania became the 2nd country with a majority Orthodox population to be visited by a Pope, namely Pope John Paul II.




    CITY HALL — The general mayor of Bucharest, Gabriela Firea, is paying an official visit to Madrid. Together with the mayor of Madrid, Manuela Carmena Castrillo, she will sign a memorandum of cooperation between the two cities in the fields of sustainable development, infrastructure, education, culture and tourism. Gabriela Firea will also meet with Madrid city hall experts specialized in smart cities and infrastructure as well as with the representatives of companies dealing in urban planning and urban governance. The Bucharest general mayor will also participate in the opening of the World Forum on Urban Violence and Education for Coexistence and Peace, and will meet with the president of the Madrid Community, Angel Garrido. (Translated by Elena Enache)



  • September 1, 2018 UPDATE

    September 1, 2018 UPDATE

    PSD– The leadership of the Social Democratic Party, PSD, the main party in the ruling coalition, on Saturday gathered in the Romanian Black Sea resort of Neptun, to attend a session of the National Executive Committee. The seven- month activity report by the cabinet led by Viorica Dăncilă and the stage of implementation of the measures included in the governing program were among the focal points of the talks held by the Social-Democrats. Also, the PSD leadership, jointly with the parliamentary groups established the strategy for the autumn parliamentary session, having the pension law as a priority.



    FINANCES – The Romanian Finance Minister, Eugen Teodorovici, considers it a good omen the fact that Standard & Poor’s rating agency has confirmed the rating and stable outlook of the Romanian economy, thus confirming that Romania continues to be attractive to foreign investors. Standard & Poor’s confirms Romanias rating for long and short terms debts in hard currency and local money at BBB-A-3, with a stable outlook. According to the agency, the rating is supported by the moderate level of the foreign debt and by solid growth perspectives. However, the GDP per capita stood at 10,000 USD in 2017,one of the lowest in the EU. Standard & Poor’s analysts claim the low level of incomes and wealth are impacting Romanias rating, just like many other factors like the budget deficit, the poor institutional and governmental efficiency and last but not least political uncertainty. As regards 2018, Standard & Poor’s expects the real growth of the GDP will slow down to 4.3%, against the backdrop of a consumption which will get back to normal and a decreasing external demand.



    MEASLES – Some 90 cases of measles have been confirmed in Romania this week, the National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control announced on Saturday. The number of cases registered since the start of the outbreak has exceeded 15,000. Some 60 people have died of measles so far. Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus and which very often leads to complications.



    ASF- Bulgaria has reported a first outbreak of African swine fever, ASF, in a household in the north-east. The Bulgarian government has recently erected a 133 km long fence alongside its border with neighboring Romania, to stop wild boars from entering into Bulgaria. In Romania, some 800 ASF outbreaks have been confirmed in Romania since June. The Bucharest authorities continue to take measures to prevent the spread of the virus, and pigs have been culled in the areas where the presence of the virus has been confirmed, that is in a quarter of Romanias counties. The authorities have imposed preemptive restrictions on the sale of pork and veterinary -safety checkpoints have been set up on the borders of the counties where the virus has been confirmed. The Romanian government has given assurances the affected pig owners will receive damages.



    MULTINATIONAL EXERCISE – Some 40 Romanian military of 61st Mountain Troops Brigade “General Virgil Bădulescu are taking part in the Multinational Exercise “Rapid Trident 18 which is unfolding in Yavoriv, Ukraine, over September 1-15. The drills which are organized by the United States Army Europe, USAREUR, jointly with the Ukrainian Armed Forces are aimed at training military for the planning and execution of coalition-led multinational operations, at brigade and battalion level.



    GEORGE ENESCU FESTIVAL – The 16th edition of the George Enescu International Festival opened its doors in Bucharest on Saturday. No less than 270 budding musicians from 39 countries, among whom 22 from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, will compete in the four sections – Composition, Violin, Cello and Piano. This is the 60 year anniversary of the festival dedicated to the famous composer, violinist, pianist and conductor George Enescu. The festival, which comes to a close on September 23, will bring to the public a number of exceptional recitals with three great musicians, who are going to also be members on the festival’s jury. Among the guests are Italian violinist Salvatore Accardo, Swedish pianist Peter Jablonnski and British cellist Raphael Wallfisch.

  • September 1, 2018

    September 1, 2018

    PSD– The leadership of the Social Democratic Party, PSD, the main party in the ruling coalition, has gathered in the Romanian Black Sea resort of Neptun, to attend a session of the National Executive Committee. A meeting of the parliamentary groups in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate will also be held there. A 7 month activity report by the cabinet led by Viorica Dăncilă and the stage of implementation of the measures included in the governing program are the focal points of the talks held by the Social-Democrats. Also, the PSD leadership, jointly with the parliamentary groups will establish a strategy for the autumn parliamentary session, having the pension law as a priority. The Social-Democrats should also decide who will be the care-taker at the Research and Innovation Ministry or whether or not they will make a new nomination for this portfolio and submit it to the President, after the line minister, Nicolae Burnete tendered his resignation on Friday.



    FINANCES – The Romanian Finance Minister, Eugen Teodorovici, considers it a good omen the fact that Standard & Poor’s rating agency has confirmed the rating and stable outlook of the Romanian economy, thus confirming that Romania continues to be attractive to foreign investors. Standard & Poor’s confirms Romanias rating for long and short terms debts in hard currency and local money at BBB-A-3, with a stable outlook. According to the agency, the rating is supported by the moderate level of the foreign debt and by solid growth perspectives. However, the GDP per capita stood at 10,000 USD in 2017,one of the lowest in the EU. Standard & Poor’s analysts claim the low level of incomes and wealth are impacting Romanias rating, just like many other factors like the budget deficit, the poor institutional and governmental efficiency and last but not least political uncertainty. As regards 2018, Standard & Poor’s expects the real growth of the GDP will slow down to 4.3%, against the backdrop of a consumption which will get back to normal and a decreasing external demand.



    MARCH – The participants
    in the Centennial March, who started their journey on July 1 in Alba Iulia,
    central Romania, the symbolical venue for the Great Union of 1918 , have today
    reached Chișinău, the capital of the
    Republic of Moldova, the final point of the march, which will host a big
    Centennial assembly. They have marched some 1,300 km and have made stopovers in
    places of high significance for WWI and the reunification of Romania. 34 Romanian
    citizens participating in the March have reached Chishinau after being allowed
    to cross the border into the Republic of Moldova. The only one who was denied
    access to the Republic of Moldova is the leader of the Action 2012 Movement, George
    Simion, the organiser of the March, whom the customs authorities accuse of aggressive
    and inadequate behaviour. He has rejected the accusations. The leader of the
    Unionist Platform Action 2012, George
    Simion, had previously been declared persona non grata in the Republic of
    Moldova, in 2015 and 2016. The Moldovan ambassador to Bucharest has been
    invited to provide explanations on the reasons for which the Romanian citizens
    were initially denied access to the Republic of Moldova. The Romanian Foreign
    Ministry had earlier declared it was attentively and concernedly watching the
    situation emerging at the border with the Republic of Moldova and had demanded explanations.


    MULTINATIONAL EXERCISE – Some 40 Romanian military of 61st Mountain Troops Brigade “General Virgil Bădulescu are taking part in the Multinational Exercise “Rapid Trident 18 which is unfolding in Yavoriv, Ukraine, over September 1-15. The drills which are organised by the United States Army Europe, USAREUR, jointly with the Ukrainian Armed Forces are aimed at training military for the planning and execution of coalition-led multinational operations, at brigade and battalion level.



    ASF-
    Bulgaria has reported a first outbreak of African swine fever, ASF, in a
    household in the north-east. The
    Bulgarian government has recently erected a 133 km long fence alongside its
    border with neighbouring Romania, to stop wild boars from entering into
    Bulgaria. In Romania, some 800 ASF outbreaks have been confirmed in Romania since June. The Bucharest
    authorities continue to take measures to prevent the spread of the virus, and
    pigs have been culled in the areas where the presence of the virus has been
    confirmed, that is in a quarter of Roumania’s counties. The authorities have
    imposed preemptive restrictions on the sale of pork and veterinary -safety
    checkpoints have been set up on the
    borders of the counties where the virus has been confirmed. The Romanian government has given assurances
    the affected pig owners will receive
    damages.


    GOLDEN STAG– The central Romanian city of Braşov this evening will be hosting the award gala of the Golden Stag International Festival. Apart from the big trophy, at this years anniversary edition which celebrates the Great Union Centennial and the festivals 50th anniversary, the 18 singers running in the contest, among whom three Romanian nationals, also stand the chance to win one of the special prizes, for best rendition of a Romanian piece, the prize of the city of Brasov, the publics award, the press prize and the prizes of the Public Radio and Television Corporations. The gala will also include some special recitals, one given by Edwin Marton who will be playing his Stradivarius violin, another one by Eleni Koureira, a member of the jury and the representative of Cyprus at Eurovision, by The Motans and Carla’s Dreams. Another long awaited moment is also the recital given by Nicole Scherzinger, a member of the band Pussycat Dolls.



    GEORGE ENESCU FESTIVAL – As from today, Bucharest is hosting the 16th edition of the George Enescu International Festival. No less than 270 budding musicians from 39 countries, among whom 22 from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, will compete in the four sections – Composition, Violin, Cello and Piano. This is the 60 year anniversary of the festival dedicated to the famous composer, violinist, pianist and conductor George Enescu. The festival, which comes to a close on September 23, will bring to the public a number of exceptional recitals with three great musicians, who are going to also be members on the festival’s jury. Among the guests are Italian violinist Salvatore Accardo, Swedish pianist Peter Jablonnski and British cellist Raphael Wallfisch.

  • May 28, 2018 UPDATE

    May 28, 2018 UPDATE

    BLACK SEA – The security situation in the Wider Black Sea Region is currently defined by volatility and marked by a potential for conflict, trends which are likely to continue in the short and medium run, the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis believes. In a message conveyed on Monday at the opening of the 2018 edition of an event entitled ‘Security in the Black Sea Region: common challenges, sustainable future, the Romanian President also emphasised that in this complex and dynamic context the use of all international communication means is all the more important. Romania reiterates its goals of stabilising the region through dialogue and the peaceful resolution of divergences, the Presidents message also reads. Taking part in this years edition are representatives of regional, European and Euro-Atlantic decision-makers, academics and civil society leaders from 16 countries. The Programme is an alternative platform for communication and cooperation between diplomatic bodies, the academic environment and the security authorities in the Black Sea region. The 2018 edition, held between May 28 and 31, focuses on “Shaping the future of the Black Sea region: game-changers and predictors.




    POLITICAL – The Social Democratic Party, in power in Romania, organises in Bucharest on June 9 a large-scale Government support rally, the president of a county branch of the party told Agerpress news agency on Monday. According to him, party members and supporters from around the country will be present, but all citizens who have confidence in the ruling coalition made up of the Social Democrats and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats are invited. President Klaus Iohannis has repeatedly called on the PM Viorica Dăncilă to step down, on grounds that she is unable to run the government. The announcement regarding the Social Democrats rally came on the same day when Pro Romania platform launched its political agenda. The platform is headed by the former PM Victor Ponta, and it was joined by several former Social Democratic members and MPs who are unhappy with what they see as the authoritarian approach of the partys current president, Liviu Dragnea.



    FOREIGN AFFAIRS – The head of the Romanian diplomacy, Teodor Meleşcanu, reiterated, at the Brussels meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, Romanias support for the efforts of France, Germany and the UK to carry on the nuclear deal with Iran, as well as the importance of the dialogue with the US to identify a sustainable solution to the Iranian file. The EU foreign ministers reaffirmed in Brussels their support for keeping the agreement with Iran in place after the withdrawal of the US, and the need for Iran to continue to implement it. The agenda of the meeting also included the recent developments in Venezuela and Congo.



    VISIT – The Minister delegate for European Affairs, Victor Negrescu, was on a visit to Helsinki on Monday, and had meetings with Minister for European Affairs, Culture and Sport Sampo Terho, and with the secretary of state for European affairs Kare Yrjo Halonen. During the talks, the two parties reiterated their commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation in the field of European affairs, in the context of the successive presidency of the European Union Council by Romania and Finland in the 2 semesters of 2019. The participants also emphasised the common goal of the 2 presidential terms, namely to contribute to promoting a European agenda based on unity and the cohesion of the European project. Victor Negrescu said Romania and Finland share the goal of making the EU more flexible, more cohesive and more pragmatic in its actions, but, above all, closer to its citizens.



    DEFENCE – The Romanian Defence Minister, Mihai Fifor, is as of Monday on a 3-day official visit to France, at the invitation of his counterpart, Florence Parly. According to a news release issued by the Romanian Defence Ministry, the 2 will discuss, among other things, the security situation at the Black Sea and the development prospects of the bilateral relations in the field of defence, including in the area of military equipment. The Romanian official will also have a meeting with President Emmanuel Macrons diplomatic adviser, Philippe Etienne, the former Ambassador of France to Romania. The agenda also includes visits to the companies MBDA and Airbus Helicopter, the Defence Ministry release reads.



    TENNIS – Two Romanian players have qualified into the second round of this years Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam tournament of the year. Mihaela Buzărnescu (no 32 WTA) defeated the American Vania King, 2-0 on Monday, while Alexandra Dulgheru (160 WTA) beat the American Christina McHale. In the mens competition, the only Romanian player, Marius Copil (95 ATP), lost to the Italian Marco Cecchinato (72 ATP) in 5 sets. Four Romanians are playing in the French Open on Tuesday. World no 1 and first seeded in the tournament, Simona Halep, takes on Alison Riske (USA, 105 WTA). Halep has so far lost 2 Roland Garros finals. Irina Begu (41 WTA) takes on the Slovak Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (no 78), Sorana Cîrstea (45 WTA) faces the Australian Daria Gavrilova (no 24), and Ana Bogdan (no 65 WTA) plays against the Czech Marketa Vondrousova (no 90).


    (translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

  • January 22, 2018

    January 22, 2018

    CABINET — The leadership of the Social-Democratic Party is today convening to discuss nominations for the new Cabinet to be led by Social-Democrat Prime Minister Viorica Dancila. The Social-Democrats and their junior coalition partners, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, said they want to keep the current Ministers for the portfolios of Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Energy and Liaison with Parliament. The previous Government had 27 ministers, three Deputy Prime Ministers and two delegate ministers. Meanwhile the opposition is taking action, the Liberals saying they will start talks with the other political parties and MPs to persuade them to vote against the new Cabinet. The Liberals aim to win as many votes as possible to prevent the new cabinet from being sworn in. Parliament’s vote is scheduled for January 29.



    FAC — Romania’s Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu is today attending the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. The main topics on the agenda for talks are Libya, the post-Cotonou agreement and the peacemaking process in the Middle East. The EU’s Foreign Ministers will also attend a working breakfast, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as special guest. Additionally, a working breakfast with Werner Hoyer, the President of the European Investment Bank, will also be held on the sidelines of the event. The Cotonou Agreement, adopted in 2000, is the most comprehensive agreement between the European Union and developing countries, regulating EU relations with a total of 79 countries, of which 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Agreement is aimed at reducing and eventually eradicating poverty.



    PROTEST –A few dozen people on Sunday staged a silent protest in front of the Government building against the ruling coalition’s modifications to the justice laws. Displaying the flags of Romania and the European Union and chanting slogans such as “#rezist”, “united for justice” or “stolen justice”, protesters covered their eyes and mouth with scarves and stool still, their backs turned to the Government buildins. The silent protest was staged after Saturday evening tens of thousands of people joined in large anti-government rallies in Bucharest, other large cities and abroad.



    EU PRESIDENCY— Romania is stepping up its efforts to prepare its term at the helm of the European Union in January 2019. The first meeting of the Finland-Romania-Croatia trio is scheduled to take place today. The trio format was first set up under the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 and has the purpose of outlining long-term objectives. The three countries will prepare a common agenda with major topics that will be tackled in the European Council over a period of 18 months. Romania will have its own six-month program. The priority of Romania’s mandate is preparing the European Parliament elections, scheduled for May 2019. Bucharest authorities want to adjust Romania’s priorities depending on the evolution of key topics of EU interest, of which the most important are Brexit and the post-2020 multiannual financial framework.



    GERMANY — German Social-Democratic leaders have started official negotiations with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Conservative Party to form a new Government. Hundreds of Social-Democrat delegates met in Bonn for a special congress, to renew their alliance with the Conservatives, an alliance that was first started in 2013. The two parties already agreed, earlier this month, on a joint governing program. The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany Party, which last September secured its first seats in the Federal Government, has criticized the Social Democrats for their decision. Negotiations are expected to start this week, much to the relief of Germany’s European partners, Reuters reports.



    TENNIS — Romania’s tennis player Simona Halep, WTA no. 1, today qualified to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, where she is seeded first. In the round of 16 she ousted Naomi Osaka of Japan, 6-3, 6-2. In the quarterfinals, Halep will play either Karolina Pliskova or Barbora Strykova, both of the Czech Republic. In the women’s singles, tenth-seeds Irina Begu and Monica Niculescu are playing Jennifer Brady and Vania King of the United States in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. (Translated by V. Palcu)

  • January 15, 2018 UPDATE

    January 15, 2018 UPDATE

    UPDATE (22:00)-Romanian PM Mihai Tudose has stepped down.

    Social Democratic Party – The executive committee of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the main party of the left-of-centre ruling coalition, on Monday convened in emergency meeting at the initiative of its leader, Liviu Dragnea, after some members asked for the party to no longer support the Social Democrat Prime Minister Mihai Tudose. Tension increased in the party last week, when PM Tudose asked Interior Minister Carmen Dan to resign, against the backdrop of a pedophilia scandal within the Police. Carmen Dan, seen as one of Liviu Dragneas protégées, refused to resign. Also on Monday the National Liberal Party (PNL), the most important party in opposition, presented a report on the Governments activity, dubbed “The Black Book of the PSD Governing. The Liberals claim the new crisis proves the Social Democrats incapacity to rule, and have asked for early elections. This is the second cabinet made up of the Social Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, after the one installed in January 2017 and dismissed after six months following a no-confidence vote initiated by the same leftist majority.



    National Culture Day – Romania marked the National Culture Day on January 15, on the same day with the celebration of 168 years since the birth of Romanias national poet Mihai Eminescu. A number of events took place in Romania and abroad to evoke the great personality of poet Mihai Eminescu and to celebrate the National Culture Day.



    NATO – A delegation of the General Staff of the Romanian Armed Forces headed by general Nicolae Ciucă will participate, Tuesday and Wednesday, in Brussels, in the NATO Military Committee conference, which will gather the defense ministers of NATO countries. The conference will tackle topical military issues such as the security challenges on NATOs eastern flank and NATOs contribution to stabilizing the security climate, the ways to follow in relation to the mission Resolute Support from Afghanistan, NATOs role in granting assistance for the reform of the security domain in Iraq and in training the Iraqi security forces in 2018. Other issues to be debated are the proposals regarding the adaptation of NATOs command structure, the drafting of military recommendations and their harmonization with the political recommendations of the North Atlantic Council.



    Statistics – 51% of the Europeans aged between 16 and 74 used Internet banking in 2017, according to the Eurostat. Bulgaria and Romania rank last in the EU in this respect, as only 5% and 7% respectively of their population used Internet banking services last year. Denmark ranks first in Europe, with 90% of its adult population having used Internet services in 2017, followed by the Netherlands with 89%, Finland, with 87% and Sweden with 86%. In the past decade, the number of people using Internet banking has doubled within the EU, rising from 25% to 51%, while the number of Internet banking users in Romania tripled, from 2% in 2007 to 7% in 2017.



    Tennis – The Romanian tennis player, Irina Begu, ranked 40 in the WTA classification qualified to the 2nd round of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, after she defeated on Monday the Russian Ekaterina Makarova (33 WTA) and 31st seed, 3-6, 6-4, 8-6. Also on Monday Monica Niculescu (85 WTA) was defeated by the German Mona Barthel (52 WTA) 6-4, 7-5, in the first round. Also in the first round, Mihaela Buzărnescu (44 WTA) lost 6-2, 6-3 to Danish Caroline Wozniacki, worlds no. 2 player. Another three Romanian players are participating in the Australian Open. Simona Halep, worlds no. 1 and main favorite in the competition, will be up against Australian Destanee Aiava, Sorana Cîrstea will take on Zarina Dias of Kazakhstan and Ana Bogdan will play against Kristina Mladenovic from France. The only player in the mens singles, Marius Copil, was eliminated in the first round by French Gilles Simon 7-5, 6-4, 6-3. (Translated by Lacramioara Simion, updated by Diana Vijeu)

  • The future of the Government as discussed within the Social Democratic Part

    The future of the Government as discussed within the Social Democratic Part


    Far from triggering off new scandals within the party, Monday’s meeting of the national executive committee of the Social Democratic Party ended with nothing more than a simple announcement that senator Ioan Deneş will take over the Ministry of Waters and Forests following last week’s resignation of Doina Pană, who invoked medical reasons.



    None of the potentially explosive topics announced by party sources was on the agenda of the meeting, namely the reshuffling or restructuring of the Government, the organization of an extraordinary congress or the designation of a candidate for next year’s presidential election. Proposed by PM Mihai Tudose, a possible restructuring will be discussed later this month, when the executive committee will meet again in Iasi (northeastern Romania).



    At present, the government made up of the Social Democrats and their junior partner from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, includes, besides the PM Tudose, 27 ministers out of whom three are deputy prime ministers and two minister delegates. A uselessly numerous team, the opposition commented. After half a year of mandate, the prime minister seems to have reached the same opinion as the opposition.



    In order to make the government team more efficient and rapid, the PM voiced his intention to have a slimmer government, with only 16 ministries. According to the media, the Ministry of Waters could come under the authority of the Environment Ministry, the Ministry for the Romanians in the Diaspora could return under the umbrella of the Foreign Ministry and the ministries with economic responsibilities are supposed to merge.



    However, opinions at the top of the party are divergent. Euro MP Viorica Dăncilă rejects the idea of government restructuring, while the president of the Vrancea county council (in the southeast), Marian Oprişan, claims that restructuring is critical for the implementation of the governing program.



    Although the idea of restructuring was not tackled during Monday’s meeting, the PM recalled that he had not given up the idea, thus fueling speculations that the move was an excellent subterfuge to remove from the governing team the cronies of the Social Democrat leader, Liviu Dragnea. Rumors of the souring relations between the PM and the Social Democrat leader have, for some time now, been the topic of public commentaries.



    In support of these rumors is the choice of the future venue for the Social Democratic Party’s executive committee meeting. Iasi is the largest city of Romania’s eastern region of Moldavia, and the mayor of Iasi, Mihai Chirică, has incessantly criticized, for almost one year, Liviu Dragnea’s omnipotence within the party and the party’s repeated attempts to change the justice laws in order to spare its leader the discomfort of prosecution on charges of corruption.



    The National Liberal Party, which has the largest representation in parliament of the three right wing opposition parties, announced on Monday that they were preparing an analysis of the government’s activity, with the conclusions being presented next week in a so-called black chart paper of the Social Democratic governing.



    Despite considering the Liberals’ initiative as opportune, analysts claim that the main political danger for the majority governing coalition is actually the backstage plotting within the party.