November 20, 2021
A roundup of local and international news.
Newsroom, 20.11.2021, 13:58
Politics. The Social Democratic Party and the National Liberal Party, the biggest parties in the Romanian Parliament, are holding fresh talks today on the composition and programme of the government they wish to form together with the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania. After two weeks of negotiations, the three parties agreed to raise pensions, salaries and child allowances. The Liberals again proposed interim defence minister Nicolae Ciucă for prime minister. The latter said the budget impact of these measures is estimated at some 2.75 billion euros and gave assurances that the flat tax would be maintained and that there wont be any tax hikes. The Social Democrats propose their leader Marcel Ciolacu for prime minister. President Klaus Iohannis invited the three parties for talks on Monday to designate a prime minister. Two previous attempts to form a government have failed.
Covid-19. Romania reported almost 2,700 new Covid cases on Saturday, as well as 214 related fatalities, including 43 recorded earlier. Almost 1,600 Covid patients are in intensive care. Bucharests incidence rate in the last fortnight is 4.05 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, having peaked at 16.54 on 22nd October. The National Committee for Emergency Situations approved a proposal to allow all schools to reopen for in-person teaching in places where the incidence rate is below 3 per thousand, regardless of the vaccination rate among the school staff. The Committee also agreed to lift the ban on certain activities and events pending governments final decision. These include sports events, concerts, outdoor performances and festivals, conferences and courses, and which can only be attended by persons holding the Covid green pass and at only 30% of the capacity of those spaces. If the situation continues to improve, the winter holidays may be celebrated without many restrictions, said the head of the Department for Emergency Situations Raed Arafat.
Pandemic Europe. A number of European countries are tightening restrictions amid surges in new Covid cases. Wearing a face mask is now compulsory in Hungary in enclosed spaces in shops, theatres, cinemas, museums and at sports events. Austria goes into lockdown on Monday and movement outside the home is only allowed for essential shopping, to go to work, see a doctor or exercise. Restaurants and most shops will be closed and parents are advised not to send their children to school where possible. Moreover, Austria makes Covid vaccination compulsory from February. New restrictions are also in place in Belgium, with employees asked to work from home four days a week. Restrictions for the unvaccinated persons are coming into force on Monday in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, with access denied to restaurants, shops and sports events. Greece also makes access to most enclosed public spaces dependent on vaccination.
Handball. Romanian handball champion CSM Bucharest are today facing the Hungarian side FTC-Rail Cargo in a Champions League Group A match at home. A week ago, in Budapest, the Romanian side lost 31-30, conceding in the last second of play. The match in Bucharest will be played with no spectators amid Covid restrictions. CSM Bucharest are in 6th place in the group with 6 points. FTC-Rail Cargo are in first position with 12 points, followed by Team Esbjerg from Denmark with 11 points, Rostov-Don from Russia with 10 points, Brest Bretagne from France with 8 points and Borussia from Germany with 7 points. (CM)
