October 28, 2019 UPDATE
Negotiations for the formation of a new government continue in Bucharest, Shenzhen tournament under way
Newsroom, 28.10.2019, 19:53
Government – The permanent bureaus of Romania’s Chamber of Deputies and Senate on Monday decided that the ministers of the new cabinet be interviewed on Tuesday and Wednesday and the investiture vote be cast on November 4th. Meanwhile, the leader of the National Liberal Party PNL continued negotiations with the parliamentary parties to get the needed 233 votes for his government to be validated. In exchange for their vote in Parliament, the Save Romania Union party announced they signed a political agreement with the Liberals which stipulates, among others, the return to the system of electing mayors in two rounds. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats conditioned their support of the Orban government on changing the legislation in the justice field only through parliamentary debates and on forbidding migration of MPs, local councilors and party members from one party to another. The People’s Movement Party wants a re-launch of relations with the Republic of Moldova and the elimination of special pensions granted to military staff. The Social Democratic Party and Pro Romania party said they would vote against the new government. If it is invested, the new cabinet will replace the outgoing Social Democratic government led by Viorica Dancila, which was dismissed through a motion of no confidence.
Vote — The Romanian Foreign Ministry on Monday started sending to Romania’s diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad the materials necessary for the presidential election vote. For the 835 polling stations to be organized in the Diaspora, the Foreign Ministry will send around 4,483,907 ballots and 7,739 rubber stamps for the first round of voting. As a first at this presidential election, the voting process will take place during 3 days for each round of voting, to avoid queuing, namely on 8, 9 10 of November in the first round and on 22, 23 and 24 of November in the second round. Also, Romanians abroad who registered online can use postal vote. Around 43 thousand Romanians from abroad have chosen the postal voting.
Health — Romanians are becoming more aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and this is shown by their concern with what they eat. 69% of Romanians say they choose natural products and 68% opt for foodstuffs made in Romania, shows a recent study. Also 35% of Romanians watch TV shows, blogs and websites that deal with health issues, nutrition and sports. 32% say they do physical exercise at least once a week. Of them the most active are the young people in the 16-29 age bracket, 56% doing physical exercise. Last but not least, 34% of Romanians take dietary supplements or various herbal supplements to prevent certain ailments.
Tennis — The Romanian Simona Halep (5 WTA) on Monday defeated 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 the Romanian-born Canadian player Bianca Andreescu (4 WTA) in the so-called purple group at the Champions’ tournament in Shenzhen, China. Also on Monday, in the same group, the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina (8 WTA) defeated Karolina Pliskova (2 WTA) from the Czech Republic 7-6, 6-4. On Sunday, on the first day of the competition, world leader Australian Ashleigh Barty defeated the Swiss Belinda Bencic (7 WTA) and the Japanese Naomi Osaka (3 WTA) defeated the Czech Petra Kvitova (6 WTA). Simona Halep played in the final of the Champions’ tournament for the first time in 2014 when she was defeated by the American Serena Williams. (update by L. Simion)
