November 4, 2021
Click here for a roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 04.11.2021, 14:28
GOVERNMENT Representatives of the National Liberal Party (PNL) are
today having talks with the opposition Social Democrats PSD in an attempt to
forge a fully functional government with a stable Parliament majority. The
Social Democrats are now claiming the position of Prime Minister, a position
the Liberals do not want to concede as they want the majority to be forged
around the PNL. On Wednesday the Liberals resumed talks with USR and according
to the PNL Leader Florin Citu there are chances for rebuilding the right-wing
coalition. USR leader Dacian Ciolos showed less optimism waiting for a decision
from the Liberals after today’s round of talks with the PSD. They are also waiting for a statement from President Klaus Iohannis over a new round of talks
with Parliament parties after two failed attempts to forge a new government.
The latest Prime Minister designate, Liberal Ncolae Ciuca has stepped down
after a failed attempt to forge a minority PNL-UDMR government. The first Prime
Minister designate, USR leader, Dacian Ciolos, has also failed to get
Parliament support. We recall the cabinet led by Florin Citu has been sacked
through a censure motion.
COVID-19 Over 10 thousand new Covid 19 infections
have been reported in Romania in the past 24 hours out of 64 thousand tests
conducted by the authorities. Bucharest comes first with the highest number of
infections 1560. 451 Covid-related fatalities have also been announced while
1890 patients are being treated in ICUs, the largest number so far. Romania’s vaccine
rollout has slowed down in the past days with only 47 thousand vaccinated on
Wednesday. The number of Romanians fully vaccinated so far has exceeded 6,400,000
people.
EBRD The European Bank for reconstruction and
Development EBRD has significantly improved its estimate on Romania’s economic
growth in 2021 forecasting a 7.2% growth against 6% in June, a report published
today says. The Recovery and Resilience facility could lead to a rise in
investment and a gradual increase in exports whereas the reduced private
consumption and the fiscal consolidation could translate into a 4.4% GDP
growth, the bank experts believe. According to them the main risk is posed by
the development of the pandemic as Romania has the second slowest vaccine
rollout in the EU. According to the EBRD, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria are
seeing a significant economic recovery after the difficult 2020. Romania’s main
growth engine seems to be its domestic demand.
FILE Culprits in the Colectiv file, a trial, which is coming to a final ruling
six years after the tragedy, could benefit from reduced sentences. We recall
that a blaze that ripped through the night club Colectiv in Bucharest on
October 30th 2015 killed 65 and wounded 150 others. The judges in
the Court in Bucharest dealing with the file have partially changed the legal
classification of offences a part of those involved in the case have committed,
including the former mayor of the Bucharest district where the club was
located. The verdict might lead to reduced sentences for the culprits in a file
that dragged on for 6 years.
FOOTBALL Romania’s football champions CFR Cluj are today up against AZ
Alkmaar of the Netherlands in a group D match of Europa Conference League.
Alkmaar are the group’s odds-on favourites as they haven’t lost a single match
so far and mustered 7 points. CFR are last in the group with only one point
after a one-all draw against Danish side Randers and stand only mathematical
chances to qualify for the competition’s next stage.
(bill)
