June 15, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsroom, 15.06.2025, 19:40

Politics. Talks on the measures needed in order to rebalance the budget, a package that would form the basis of a governing programme, are to be resumed by the pro-European parties that may form the future government, namely the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania. The last few days have been marked by tensions and different approaches and only agreeing on these measures would allow further dialogue on a possible government formula, with the Social Democrats still undecided whether to enter the government. Their involvement is needed to achieve a stable parliamentary majority able to sustain decisions regarded by many of those involved as difficult but unavoidable, given that the country’s expenses have been exceeding revenues for a number of years. Reducing this gap, namely the budget deficit, is seen as an emergency both by experts and politicians, because the current situation is affecting the country’s economic and financial situation and is diminishing the trust of international lending institutions, which are imposing higher interest rates on the loans needed by Romania and which risks losing Romania significant European funds. In fact, by the 20^th June, the authorities must present the European Commission with a concrete plan to cut the budget deficit and resume the reforms undertaken as part of the National recovery and Resilience Plan. 20^th June is also the date when the mandate of the current interim government is coming to an end. The coming week is also important because a new prime minster is expected to be nominated.

Education. The education ministry has invited the representatives of trade unions in the field for talks. The latter said they would go on a token strike on Wednesday, unhappy with the measures expected to be taken in order to reduce the budget deficit and which may also involve increasing teaching hours. The representatives of the biggest trade union organisations are expected at Cotroceni Palace on Monday morning, for talks with president Nicuşor Dan.

Israel-Iran conflict. The foreign ministry again urged Romanian citizens in Israel and Iran to inform Romanian diplomatic missions in these countries on their presence there, owing to the security situation. Romanians are advised to monitor and strictly observe the instructions of the local authorities and stay in contact with airline companies for updated information on flights. The Israeli army on Friday launched an unprecedented wide-scale military operation against Iran that targeted hundreds of its army and nuclear sites with the stated aim of preventing Iran from developing the atomic bomb. Since then, the two states have exchanged air strikes, with many victims on both sides. Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar said on Sunday that his country would continue striking Iran because there are still “important objectives to be achieved”. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said the US must condemn the Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in order to prove its good faith. In Washington, Donald Trump warned Iran that the US army would respond “with full strength and might” if Iran attacks the US, reiterating that Washington is not connected to Israel’s strikes against Tehran, France Presse reports.  Germany, France and the UK are ready to immediately start talks with Iran on the subject of its nuclear programme in an effort to deescalate the situation in the Middle East, Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday, quoted by Reuters.

Statement. The ministry of foreign affairs in Bucharest expressed its concern about the escalation of the security situation in the Middle East and called for diplomatic efforts to find a verifiable negotiated solution with respect to Iran’s nuclear programme. The ministry said in a statement that it reiterated “Israel’s right to defend itself and protect its people” and that “regional security requires active diplomatic engagement”, adding: “Romania will continue to work with its partners and allies to contribute together to sustainable regional stability. We are making efforts throughout the entire region affected to ensure the security of Romanian citizens”. (CM)