October 29, 2015
For a roundup of domestic and international events, click here.
Newsroom, 29.10.2015, 12:00
TALKS – Romanias Prime Minister Victor Ponta is today holding talks with the President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto, who is also the Prime Minister of this country. Attending an international meeting on open governance yesterday, the Prime Minister said that while Romania was a young democracy and a new member of the European Union, Bucharest authorities were trying to meet international standards in terms of democracy and governance. He called for a transparent governing process and for effective public services. Victor Pontas visit to Mexico is the first in the last 25 years, marking 80 years since Romanian-Mexican diplomatic relations were established.
VISIT – The Chamber of Deputies Speaker Valeriu Zgonea is today meeting with representatives of the Romanian community and leaders of the Jewish-born American organizations as part of his two-day visit to Washington. Zgonea is attending the third edition of the Parliamentary Intelligence – Security Forum. In yesterdays discussion panel, Zgonea said that intensifying the Strategic Partnership with the US represented a key priority for Romanias foreign policy. On the sideline of the event, Zgonea met with US officials to address bilateral economic relations and cooperation in the field of security and defence. The Romanian official referred to Romanias advantages for the business sector, as a key partner of the United States in the Balkans and the Black Sea region. At the same time Zgonea said Romania has fulfilled all legal requirements to join the Visa Waiver Programme.
VOTE – The Moldovan Parliament is debating and voting today a no-confidence motion filed by the pro-Russian Socialist and Communist Parties in opposition against the pro-European Government made up of the Liberal-Democratic Party, the Democratic Party and the Liberal Party. The opposition is accusing Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet of incompetence and corruption, while the Prime Minister says that left-wing parties are trying to destabilize the country and block its European integration efforts. To pass the motion needs 51 out of the total of 101 possible votes, with the two opposition parties holding only 44 seats. Analysts say however the Governments fate is sealed, after the Democrats too have insisted Strelet should step down. Romanias Prime Minister Victor Ponta has warned Bucharest will continue to support Moldova as long as a pro-Western coalition is at the helm of the Government. This month Romania has given a 150-million-euro loan to Moldova.
EXERCISE – Over 1,800 Romanian military and another 300 US military are today taking part in the joint military exercise “Justice Sword in Galati County, eastern Romania. According to the Romanian Defence Ministry, some 500 weapon systems are being field-tested, including Abrams battle tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles. NATO warfare tactics and military procedures will be tested during the exercise.
TAXATION – Romania reported significant progress in terms of taxation and the reform of the National Agency for Tax Administration, although it still faces tax collection issues, says Carmen Marcus, an economic policy analyst with the European Commission Representation Office in Romania. Carmen Marcus says Romania has one of the highest VAT collection deficits at EU level. The Commission recommends Romania fulfilled and maintained medium-term budget targets and implemented the strategy aimed at observing fiscal obligations and consolidating control mechanisms for combating undeclared work, Carmen Marcus also pointed out.
MEETING – German Chancellor Angela Merkel today called for an urgent diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis, as part of her meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang in Beijing. In turn, the Chinese official said the diplomatic resolution of the Syrian conflict was the responsibility of the United Nations. The agenda for talks also included the EU-China investment treaty, which news agencies suggest might pave the way for a free trade agreement between the EU and China. Follow the meeting the two officials signed a deal whereby Chinese airlines purchased 130 Airbus jets worth 17 billion dollars.
TENNIS – Romania tennis player Simona Halep, the worlds no. 2 player, failed to qualify to the semi-final of the WTA Finals in Singapore, a tournament totalling 7 million dollars in prize money. In her third and last match in the Red Group, Halep lost 6-7, 1-6 to Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland. Ahead of the game, Halep had one win after defeating Flavia Penneta of Italy and losing to Maria Sharapova of Russia.
