June 18, 2018

Senators in Bucharest vote on a simple motion filed by the right wing opposition to dismiss Minister of the Economy Daniel Andrusca on grounds of incompetence; Romanian prosecutors are holding interviews in the Colectiv case surrounding the Bucharest club

Ştefan Stoica, 18.06.2018, 13:32

BUCHAREST – Senators in Bucharest vote on a simple motion filed by the right wing opposition to dismiss Minister of the Economy Daniel Andrusca on grounds of gross incompetence. In the motion, the Liberals and the Save Romania Union call for his resignation, deeming his performance catastrophic. According to them, the laws for payments on the use of mines and mineral water were blocked in spite of being part of the governing platform. At the same time, the Liberals have announced that, by the end of the week, they would file a censure motion against the coalition government led by Viorica Dancila.

INVESTIGATION — Romanian prosecutors are holding interviews in the Colectiv case surrounding the Bucharest club that burned down during a concert in late 2015. A fire broke out inside, leaving 64 dead and over 100 injured. The investigation comes after several criminal lawsuits were filed by parents and victims against the way in which the authorities reacted to the incident. The three owners of the club were prosecuted for second degree murder, causing injury, and violating the work safety and public health regulations. Also under prosecution are the owners of the company that provided the fireworks that caused the fire, one employee, and two legal persons. The tragedy sparked protests against the corruption in public administration.

VISIT – Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell is in Bucharest as part of a European tour that includes Zagreb, Prague, and Brussels. According to the US State Department, Wess Mitchell is scheduled to meet high officials, as well as independent analysts on topics related to regional security and economic cooperation. He will be leading his countrys delegation at the sixth meeting of the US-Romania Strategic Partnership Dialog, and will hold a speech at Bucharest University.

CHAMPIONSHIP — In the World Cup in soccer in Russia, Mexico handed out a surprise defeat to standing champions Germany in Group F. One other surprise result was the 1-all tie between Brazil and Switzerland. In that same group, Serbia defeated Costa Rica 1-0. The games scheduled for Monday are Sweden- South Korea in Group F, as well as Belgium- Panama and England- Tunisia in Group G. Romania has not managed to qualify for the world championship.

BERLIN — The right wing of the frail German coalition government plans to provide an ultimatum to Chancellor Angela Merkel, calling on her to close the borders for migrants. In Germany, the wave of over one million refugees in 2015 and 2016 caused a political shock. The anger of public opinion is exacerbated by various incidents involving migrants. The EU has been unable to find sustainable solutions for managing the refugee wave and for protecting borders. A special meeting on this topic may be held by European leaders ahead of the EU summit of June 28 and 29. We recall that the migrant crisis caused a rise in right wing extremism all across Europe.

LUXEMBOURG — Romanian Minister of Agriculture Petre Daea takes part today in Luxembourg in the meeting of the EU Council for Agriculture and Fisheries. Talks focus on the legislative package on the Common Agricultural Policy past 2020, published by the EC on June 1. Additional topics on the agenda are changing certain regulation in the common fishing policy, as well as the situation of the agricultural market.

BUCHAREST — The Romanian gendarme corps hosts for two weeks, starting today, an ample training exercise for EU police services. Taking part are officers from 15 countries and international organization representatives. Preparations will emphasize interoperability and common working procedures.