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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.

Medlife Raises Stakes in SAMA Craiova and PDR Brasov

MedLife, the leading private healthcare provider in Romania, on Monday announced its has bought an additional 35% in the SAMA group of companies in Craiova and 3% of PDR Brasov group, raising its stakes to 90% and 83%, respectively.

Romania Had Biggest Government Deficit in EU in 3Q/2018

Romania had the biggest government deficit in the European Union in the third quarter of 2018, of 3.6% of gross domestic product, Eurostat data showed Monday.

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.

New Bank Tax Prompts BCR to Revise All Investment Plans, CEO Says

Romanian lender Banca Comerciala Romana (BCR), majority owned by Austrian Erste Group, is reconsidering all its investment plans due to the new tax on bank assets, CEO Sergiu Manea said at a banking conference on Friday.

Dacia Reports Best Sales in a Decade in 2018

Romanian carmaker Dacia, owned by France's Renault, had its best sales in a decade in 2018 in Romania, with over 54,000 vehicles sold and a market share of over 30%, the company said Friday.

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.

President Meets With Liberal Party Leaders

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis met on Wednesday with representatives of the Liberal Party to discuss the country's European agenda, with the meeting confirmed for MEDIAFAX by party chairman Ludovic Orban.

Government Announces Inspection At Oltenia Energy Complex Amid Miner Strike

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila ordered on Thursday an inspection at the Oltenia Energy Complex (CE Oltenia), in the context of a miner strike which led to the shutdown of one thermal power unit, meant to check whether management respected regulations on corporate governance.

President Challenges Bill Prohibiting Referendum During MEP Elections At Constitutional Court

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis challenged at the Constitutional Court on Thursday a bill which prohibits the organization of a referendum at the same time with MEP elections.

Justice Minister To Present Report Regarding Sentence Compensation On Monday

Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader announced in a press statement on Wednesday that he will present the prime minister with a report on the situation regarding the effects of the 2017 sentence compensation bill on Monday, in which he will also propose solutions.

Constitutional Court Postpones Ruling On Bill Declassifying Protocols For February 27

Romania’s Constitutional Court postponed on Wednesday challenges made by President Klaus Iohannis, opposition parties and the Supreme Court against a bill which would declassify a 2005 Defense Council ruling which is the basis for secret service-judiciary protocols and all the acts it affected.

Foreign Affairs Ministry: We Are Expecting Solid Proposals From The UK Government On Brexit

Romania’s Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday in which it says that it expects a solid proposal from the UK Government regarding the steps which will follow Tuesday’s rejection of the EU withdrawal bill in its House of Commons.

President: The Rights Of Romanians Working In The UK Are Guaranteed

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday that there should not be any concerns regarding Romanian nationals who work in the UK as their rights are guaranteed, in the context of uncertainty regarding the country’s withdrawal from the EU.

President Requests Government To Analyze Sentence Compensation Bill

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis requested the country’s Government on Wednesday to make an urgent analysis on a 2017 bill which reduces prison time for inmates serving it in poor conditions, stating that no citizen should be afraid for his own safety.

Oltenia Energy Complex Proposes Wage Raises, Protest Continues In At Least One Quarry

Following a night of negotiations with its worker unions, the management of the Oltenia Energy Complex (CEO) announced that it reached an agreement to raise wages and grant vacation vouchers in order to stop recent worker strikes, though the movement continues in at least one of its quarries.

Prime Minister Discusses Sentence Compensation Bill With Justice Minister

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila had a meeting with Justice Minister Tudorel Toader on Wednesday to discuss the effects of a bill enacted in 2017 which reduces prison time for convicts serving their sentences in poor conditions, political sources told MEDIAFAX.

Deloitte Expects 100 M&A Deals in Romania in 2019

The Romanian mergers and acquisitions market will total around 100 transactions in 2019, keeping a similar pace as during the period 2008-2018, Deloitte Romania said in a report Wednesday.

Prime Minister Responds To Criticism In The European Parliament

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila responded to criticism she received in the European Parliament on Tuesday, by stating that every country must be “left to have its own convictions”.

Romanian PM To European Parliament: Our Vision Involves Reducing Gaps Between Member States

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila held a speech regarding Romania’s EU Council President in the European Parliament on Tuesday, during which she stated that the country will look towards cohesion and reducing gaps between member states.

Ruling Party Accuses President Of Blocking Government Activity

Romania’s ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) urged President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday to “give a reasonable explanation for the systematic blockages” of the Government, referring to the cabinet appointments dispute over new regional development and transports ministers.

Top Judicial Watchdog Dismisses Controversial DNA Ploiesti Prosecutor

The Prosecutors’ Section of Romania’s top judicial watchdog CSM decided on Tuesday to dismiss National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) Ploiesti prosecutor Lucian Onea, at the request of the institution’s interim chief Calin Nistor, CSM sources told MEDIAFAX.

Teen Becomes Eight Victim Of Flu This Season, Health Minister Writes Off Epidemic

A seventeen-year old boy from Teleorman county died due to type A influenza on Tuesday, marking the eight death caused by the disease this flu season. However, Health Minister Sorana Pintea announced that, at the moment, there is no basis to declare an epidemic.

President: Accession To Schengen Area Not Possible Without Consensus

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated on Tuesday that both him and the Government need to collaborate to finalize Romania’s long-awaited accession to the Schengen Area, which he says is “not possible without consensus”.