June 30, 2021
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Newsroom, 30.06.2021, 13:55
COMMEMORATION The 2 chambers of the Parliament of Romania are holding a special session today to commemorate for the first time in their history the victims of the Iaşi pogrom of June 1941, ordered by the anti-Semitic authorities of the time, and in which over 13,000 Romanian Jews were killed. Attending the meeting are the president of Romania, Government members, former presidents, foreign diplomats in Bucharest, the head of the Royal House, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church and other religious leaders, representatives of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, of the Romanian Army, of the Romanian Academy, as well as Pogrom survivors or relatives of the victims. In a message sent on Tuesday, president Klaus Iohannis said unconcealed hatred, appalling violence, absolute disregard for human dignity were just some of the instruments used by the authorities of the time in implementing an abominable plan—that of cleansing the town of Iaşi of the Jewish locals. He emphasised that the Iaşi pogrom is not just a tragedy of Iaşi Jews, following the one of the Jews killed during the far-right rebellion earlier that year, but a tragedy and a responsibility to be carried by the Romanian nation ever since. When public institutions not only fail entirely to meet their natural obligations as to a countrys citizens, but also discriminate against, persecute and kill them mercilessly, then the rule of absolute evil and arbitrariness begins, Klaus Iohannis added.
GOVERNMENT The Government of Romania convenes to discuss 3 draft emergency orders. One of them brings changes to the law regulating police work, another has to do with regulations on sick leaves, and a third one with measures in the public pension system. On Tuesday, the Liberal Florin Cîțus Cabinet faced its first no-confidence motion, initiated by the main opposition party, the Social Democratic Party. The motion was backed by only 201 MPs, 33 less than the number required for the government to be dismissed.
COVID-19 The Government Tuesday passed an emergency order on the COVID digital certificate, which will be required for all citizens who intend to travel in EU countries. The certificate can be downloaded by people having received the vaccine, having recovered from the disease or having tested negative for the coronavirus. The certificate is valid for one year for those who are immunised, and for 180 days since the first positive SARS-CoV-2 test for those who had the disease. Meanwhile, the number of new cases and of Covid-19 related deaths remains low in Romania.
FILM The documentary ‘colectiv’ (“Collective), by Alexander Nanau, received the best feature award at the Gopo Gala devoted to the Romanian film industry. The film covers a journalist investigation into the corruption in the healthcare system, following the fire in the Colectiv night club in Bucharest, which killed scores of young people. “colectiv is the first Romanian film nominated for the Oscars in the best documentary and best foreign language film categories. Alexander Nanau also received a Gopo award for best director. The best leading actor and actress awards went to Mihai Călin and Diana Cavallioti, for their performances in the film ‘5 Minutes’. Actor Costel Constantin and set designer and costume producer Doina Levintza received lifetime achievement awards in the same Gala.
TENNIS Four Romanians are playing today in Wimbledon, the 3rd grand slam of the year. Ana Bogdan (92 WTA), Sorana Cirstea (no. 45) and Patricia Tig (63 WTA) are playing in the first round, whereas Irina Begu (no. 79), is trying to qualify into the 3rd round. We remind you that Romanias best tennis player, Simona Halep, no. 3 in the world and the current trophy holder, is not taking part in this years competition because of an injury. (tr. A.M. Popescu)
