April 23, 2025
A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 23.04.2025, 13:55
Magistrates – The plenum of Romania’s Chamber of Deputies has today voted on the draft law that radically changes the retirement rules for magistrates in Romania. In the form adopted by the deputies, starting with January 1, 2026, judges and prosecutors will retire at 65 years, like any other employees, given that, currently, their retirement age is 48 years. At the same time, the pensions of magistrates would be lower. The draft law will go to the Senate for debate, which is the decision-making body in this case. The document was criticized by the Superior Council of Magistracy on the grounds that it would seriously undermine the functioning of the judicial system in the short and medium term. Its adoption is, however, one of the conditions that Romania must meet in order to receive the third installment of money from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Deficit – The Finance Ministry reiterates in a press release Romania’s commitment to meet the deficit of 7% of the GDP in 2025 and announces that it will continue this trajectory in the coming years, as stipulated in the Medium-Term National Budgetary-Structural Plan agreed with the EC. The clarification comes following the publication of Eurostat data on the government deficit in the European Union member states, according to which Romania had the highest level last year, at 9.3% of the GDP. On the other hand, the IMF has reduced its growth estimates for the Romanian economy this year to 1.6%, from 3.3% in October.
Vatican – Thousands of pilgrims and tourists have gathered at the Vatican to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88. The open coffin containing his lifeless body was transported this morning to the grandiose St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful can bid farewell to the leader of the Catholic Church for three days. Hundreds of thousands of believers are expected to attend the funeral on Saturday, as well as numerous heads of state and government, including Romania’s interim president, Ilie Bolojan. According to his wishes, Pope Francis will be burried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in central Rome, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Italian government has declared five days of national mourning, while the Vatican is in mourning until April 30. On the other hand, the conclave to elect the future Pontiff will have to meet at least 15 days after the death of Pope Francis, which means that discussions between the 135 cardinals with voting rights are to begin on May 5.
Celebration – Christians celebrate today the Great Martyr George, a 4th century martyr saint. Saint George was a general in the Roman army during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Although very appreciated at the imperial court for his skill in the art of war, he fell victim to persecution against Christians. He was imprisoned and tortured to renounce Christianity. He did not give in and was executed by beheading. Almost a million Romanians celebrate their name day today. Saint George is also the spiritual patron saint of the Romanian Land Forces. So, on this occasion, military and religious ceremonies are organized throughout the country at monuments dedicated to the heroes. Sports competitions, cultural and educational events, as well as concerts of military bands have also been scheduled for today.
Friendship – The Day of Friendship between Romania and Germany marks a moment of excellence in the Bucharest-Berlin relationship and highlights the dynamic political, diplomatic and sectoral contacts, as well as the vibrant cooperation at bilateral level, within the EU and NATO. The statement was made by the Romanian FM, Emil Hurezeanu, on the first anniversary of this day established on April 21. In turn, Peer Gebauer, the German ambassador to Romania, has emphasized that the two countries are united by a long-standing friendship and a partnership based on trust.
FITS – Tickets for the 32nd edition of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival (center) have been put on sale. The festival will take place between June 20 and 29. Those interested had two weeks to consult the program and decide on the performances they want to attend. There will be no less than 150 indoor or outdoor performances and 37 online performances. Of these, more than half will be free to watch. American actors Bill Murray and Kathleen Turner are among the special guests of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival. (LS)
