Ionut Preda

Finance Minister To Attend Talks With Municipality Mayors On State Budget

Romanian Finance Minister Eugen Teodorovici will meet on Tuesday with mayors of the country’s municipalities following the latters’ request to discuss the 2019 budget, political sources told MEDIAFAX.

Judicial Inspectorate Deputy Appointed Magistrate Investigation Section Chief

The deputy-chief inspector of Romania’s Judicial Inspectorate, Gheorghe Stan, was appointed on Monday as chairman of the newly-founded Section for investigating judicial offences.

Flu Causes Four More Deaths As Season Toll Reaches 43

Three men and one woman died because of influenza in Romania over the last couple of days, raising the countrywide death toll to 43 for this flu season. All of the victims were also sufferin other medical conditions and did not receive flu shots.

Ruling Party: Currency Drop Is Artificial, National Bank Should Ensure Stability

Romania’s ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) accused that the drop of the country’s currency against the Euro in exchange rates was artificially created and urged national bank BNR to ensure stability in this regard, in a post on the party’s official Facebook page.

Liberals Announce Close Race With Ruling Party In Nationwide Poll

The chairman of Romania’s Liberal Party, Ludovic Orban, announced on Sunday that the group is tracking the ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) only by 3% in large nationwide poll, recovering a difference of nearly 40% following the 2016 parliamentary election loss.

Orthodox Church Leader Could Become Bucharest Honorary Citizen

Patriarch Daniel, the leader of Romania’s Orthodox Church, could become an honorary citizen of the country’s capital, according to a draft decree signed by Bucharest Mayor Gabriela Firea.

NATO, Russia Fail To Reach INF Treaty Agreement, Moscow Denounces Missile System In Romania

NATO and Russia were unable to reach an agreement regarding the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty in a council meeting on Friday, which prompted to Moscow denouncing the installation of US ballistic missile systems in Romania.

Liberals To Present Latest Opinion Poll In Top Brass Meeting – Sources

The leader of Romania’s Liberal Party (PNL), Ludovic Orban, summoned a meeting of the party’s executive bureau for Sunday evening, to present and discuss the results of the last national poll regarding the upcoming MEP elections, party sources told MEDIAFAX.

Romanian PM’s Aircraft Made Emergency Landing In Sibiu

The airplane transporting Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila back from Brussels made an emergency landing in Sibiu on Thursday evening, representatives of the local airport told MEDIAFAX on Friday.

Health Minister: We Will Decide Next Week Whether To Declare Flu Epidemic

Romanian Health Minister Sorina Pintea announced on Friday that the ministry will decide next week whether to declare a flu epidemic, with a report of the recent growth in cases to be discussed on Wednesday.

Prime Minister: Illegal Judicial Practices Must Be Corrected

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila appeared to endorse on Friday an emergency decree proposed by Justice Minister Tudorel Toader, which would re-open high profile criminal cases judged by the Supreme Court since 2014.

Interior Ministry: 14,000 In 46 Townships Left Without Electricity Due To Bad Weather

Forty-six townships in seven counties throughout Romania were experiencing electricity blackouts on Friday morning due to bad weather, with the country’s Interior Ministry announcing that approximately 14,000 subscribers to the national electricity systems are affected.

President Criticizes Ruling Party And Government During Union Day Festivities

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis launched a new attack against the country’s Government and ruling party in a speech held during Union Day festivities on Wednesday, stating that the executive preferred to organize a “populist racket” while historical regions are left bereft of grand projects.

Schools To Close Countrywide On Friday Due To Flu

Romania’s Education Ministry decided to close all schools on Friday, January 25, due to evolution of flu infections throughout the country, which is on the verge of the epidemic.

Flood Warnings Issued For Rivers In Six Counties

Romanian hydrologists issued on Wednesday a code yellow warning of floods for rivers in six counties, in effect from Thursday evening until noon on Saturday.

Constitutional Court Admits Challenge On Bill Implementing Convention On Rights Of Disabled Persons

Romania’s Constitutional Court decided on Wednesday to partially admit a challenge made by President Klaus Iohannis against a bill implementing provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Parole Request Of Imprisoned Former Constanta County Chief Rejected

Former Constanta County Council Chairman Nicusor Constantinescu saw his request for a release on parole from prison rejected on Wednesday by Medgidia Court judges, in a first decision.

Constitutional Court Delays Ruling On Bill Adding Ombudsman Special Pension

Romania’s Constitutional Court decided on Wednesday to postpone for January 30 the ruling on a challenge by President Klaus Iohannis against a bill which adds a special retirement benefits for individuals who serve as the country’s Ombudsman, judicial sources told MEDIAFAX.

Romanian PM: We Are Witnessing A Worrying Increase Of Anti-Semitism

Romanian PM Viorica Dancila stated on Wednesday that there is an increase of anti-Semitism both in Europe and worldwide, and that immediate measure should be taken to combat the phenomenon.

Opposition Party Urges Health Minister To Declare Flu Epidemic

Representatives of Romanian opposition party USR requested Health Minister Sorina Pintea on Wednesday to declare a flu epidemic, in the context of the disease’s death toll reaching 29 for the season.

Lower Chamber Deputy Chairman: EU Official Misinformed On Decree Re-Opening Trials

The deputy chairman of Romania’s Lower Chamber, Florin Iordache, told MEDIAFAX on Tuesday that European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen was misinformed when he criticized a decree announced by the Justice Ministry which would reopen high-profile criminal cases.

Ruling Party: Foreigners Have A Bad Impression About Romania Due To President’s Critics

Romania’s ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) criticized statements made by President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday at the a signing ceremony for a new French-German treaty in Aachen, stating that they contribute to spreading a bad perception about the country.

Education Minister Wants Shorter Winter School Holiday

Romanian Education Minister Ecaterina Andronescu said on Tuesday that the ministry is considering shortening the school winter holiday, arguing that its three-week length makes pupils forget class subjects.

Craiova Hospital Fined For Not Having Security Cameras Turned On During Incident

The Craiova Emergency County Hospital received a RON2,000 fine on Tuesday because it did not have its surveillance cameras turned on last Saturday, when an inebriated driver crashed into its Emergency Admissions Unit.

President: Emergency Decree For Re-Opening High Profile Cases Is “Grossly Unconstitutional”

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated on Tuesday that Justice Minister Tudorel Toader should give up issuing an announced emergency decree which would re-open high profile criminal cases judged by the Supreme Court since 2013, deeming the issue “grossly unconstitutional”.

Rahova Penitentiary Launches Inquiry After Employee Marries Imprisoned Mob Boss

Romania’s National Penitentiary Administration (ANP) announced on Tuesday that the Rahova Penitentiary launched an internal investigation into the marriage of the prison’s teacher with a high profile inmate.

European Commission Reacts To Decree Re-Opening High Profile Cases

The European Commission reacted on Tuesday to the Romanian Justice Minister’s announcement of a Government decree which would re-open cases judged by erroneously formed Supreme Court panels, stating that it is important for the country to ensure an independent judiciary.

President Criticizes Ruling Party Over Currency Hitting Record Low Against Euro

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis criticized the country’s ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) on Tuesday after the Euro hit a new record high exchange rate against the Romanian Leu (RON), stating that the party “is really bad at economy and governing”.

Code Yellow Warning Of Snowstorms Issued For Seven Counties

Romania’s National Meteorological Administration (ANM) updated its forecast on Tuesday, announcing snowfall, rain and ice in most of the country until Wednesday, while also issuing a code yellow snowstorm warning for seven counties.

Court: Charges Brought Against Former Minister In Belina Isle Case Are Eligible

The Bucharest Court decided on Monday that the charges and evidence brought forth against former Regional Development Minister Sevil Shhaideh in the Belina Island case were legal and that the trial could begin, in a first decision.

Justice Minister Announces Emergency Decree On Re-Opening Five-Judge Panel Cases

Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader announced on Sunday evening that the ministry has a draft emergency decree ready which would re-open all cases which were judged by the Supreme Court’s five-judge panels which were illegally selected, according to a Constitutional Court decision.

Supreme Court Postpones Ruling Party Leader Case In Anticipation Of Panels Ruling

Judges from Romania’s Supreme Court decided on Monday to postpone until February 18 the trial in which Social Democrat Party (PSD) leader Liviu Dragnea is appealing his prison sentence, to wait for a ruling of the court's United Sections regarding five-judge panels.

EU Regional Policy Commission: Eurozone Accession Should Improve Standard Of Living

The EU Commissioner for regional policy, Corina Cretu, said on Monday that Romania’s accession to Eurozone is an “aspiration which should be followed”, as improvements in both standard of living and economic growth should be her country’s main objectives following the accession.

Flu Causes Three More Deaths, Toll Reaches 23

The death toll of Romania’s flu season reached 23 on Monday, as three women from Bucharest, Gorj and Prahova counties respectively succumbed to the infection, according to the country’s National Public Health Institute (INSP).

Prime Minister Sends New Letter To President: I Have The Exclusive Right To Select Ministers

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila sent a new letter to President Klaus Iohannis on Monday, requesting the immediate appointment of her proposals for new transports and development ministers.

Ruling Coalition Leaders Meet To Discuss 2019 State Budget – Sources

The co-leaders of Romania’s ruling PSD-ALDE coalition, Liviu Dragnea and Calin Popescu Tariceanu, will meet on Monday to discuss the state budget draft for 2019, according to political sources.

Romanian PM Meets With Israeli Counterpart

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila met on Friday with her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu during a state visit to the country, with discussion revolving around the current international situation, according to a Government statement.

President Sends Letter To Prime Minister Explaining Rejection Of Recent Cabinet Proposal

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis sent on Thursday a letter in which he told Prime Minister Viorica Dancila that her recent proposals for new regional development and transports ministers had incomplete documentation.

Energy Ministry Announces End Of Miner Strike In Most CE Oltenia Quarries

Romania’s Energy Ministry announced on Thursday afternoon that miners were going to end the strike at the Oltenia Energy Complex (CE Oltenia), following three-way negotiations between the ministry, company management and unions.

Prime Minister: We Are Ready To Support Romanians In The UK, Regardless Of Brexit Scenario

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila said on Thursday that, regardless of the outcome of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal process from the EU, the Government is ready to offer support for Romanian nationals who are studying and working in the country.