November 7, 2021 UPDATE
A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 07.11.2021, 20:00
COVID-19 – 5,293 new cases of COVID infection and 273 related fatalities were reported on Sunday. The incidence rate continued to drop in Bucharest, to 10.13 per thousand inhabitants, the lowest level in over a month. Doctors say only vaccination can stop the pandemic, and the authorities continue the national anti-COVID vaccination campaign. In Bucharest, a new vaccination marathon was held last weekend, when 8 vaccination centers stayed open until midnight.
SCHOOL – Schools are due to reopen on Monday after a two-week holiday imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes will resume with physical attendance only in units where the rate of vaccination among the teaching staff exceeds 60%. According to data centralized by the Education Ministry, over 1.8 million pupils will return to school while the rest will continue classes online. Interim Education Minister, Sorin Cîmpeanu, says high school pupils account for the highest vaccination rate among young people. The coordinator of the national vaccination campaign, Valeriu Gheorghiţă, said that pupils returning to physical class attendance will increase the risk of infection and thus the number of COVID cases, although children need classes with physical attendance, and adults must make an effort to ensure their safety in school.
GOVERNMENT – On Monday, the Liberals are expected to make a decision with respect to negotiations with USR and PSD over the assembly of a new Cabinet. PNL leader and interim prime minister, Florin Cîţu, expressed confidence a solution will be found to create a robust Parliament majority. The Liberal Party is divided over this issue. Some leaders are unwilling to back an alliance with the Social-Democrats and argue in favor of rebuilding the ruling coalition with USR. Also on Monday, the Social-Democrats will decide whether they will join an alliance with the Liberals. Social-Democrat leader Marcel Ciolacu says an alliance with the Liberals is the best solution to manage the current crises. PSD is already working on a governing program. In turn, USR is waiting for PNL to make a decision. We recall the minority PNL-UDMR government led by Florin Cîţu was ousted following a no-confidence vote in Parliament.
APPLIANCES – A new edition of the state-subsidized buyback programme for power-saving home appliances will kick off in December, with a budget of 6.8 million Euro. The program benefited from an annual budget of 15 million Euro. Interim Environment Minister, Tánczos Barna, said the program will be launched in late November, so that buyback vouchers can be used starting December.
EUROSTAT – In September, retail sales went down unexpectedly by 0.2% in the European Union and 0.3% in the Eurozone, the Eurostat reports. Also in September, Romanias retail sales went up 0.2%. The drop in retail trading at community level was influenced by Germanys poor economic performance in recent months. Food and fuel sales went up slightly in September, while non-food sales went down overall.
US-ROMANIA RELATIONS – Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu on Monday will meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington as part of a two-day visit marking the opening of the 7th meeting of the Romania – United States Strategic Dialogue. According to a press release, Bogdan Aurescu will reiterate Romanias interest in joining the Visa Waiver program as a key objective for Romanians. Talks will also focus on the latest security developments, with a focus on the Black Sea region and NATOs eastern flank. (VP)
