February 23, 2018

Thousands protest the announced dismissal of top anti-corruption prosecutor; President Iohannis attends the informal European summit in Brussels

Ştefan Stoica, 23.02.2018, 14:01

MAGISTRATE — Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said he did not change his mind regarding the activity of the National Anti-corruption Directorate. He declared that the presentation made Thursday night by Justice Minister Tudorel Toader regarding the activity of the directorate lacked clarity, and said the document will be analyzed closely by the expert departments of the presidential administration. Minister Toader announced he initiated procedures to dismiss the head of the directorate, Laura Codruta Kovesi, but the president is the only official able to dismiss her. In a report on the activity of the NAD between February 2017 and February 2018, the minister accused Kovesi of exceeding her authority, getting involved in cases investigated by the institution, and not pursuing accusations of abuse against some prosecutors. He also alleged that the NAD defied the authority of Parliament, contested Constitutional Court rulings, and negatively affected Romanias foreign image. The statements made by Toader, supported by the ruling majority, have been strongly attacked by the opposition, and sparked spontaneous street protests in Bucharest.

BRUSSELS — EU heads of state and government meet on Friday in Brussels as part of the informal session of the European Council to discuss institutional topics and policy priority for the future multiannual financial framework. The European Commission proposed that, for the future, each state raise its joint budget contribution to at least 1.1% of the GDP, in order to compensate for the Brexit. According to Radio Romanias correspondent, there are indications that the future budget will be based on a new common agricultural policy and cohesion policy, which may result in reductions in direct payments and a stricter screening of projects based on European funds. Another idea being circulated is that of tying access to European funds to compliance with the rule of law. Romania is represented by its president, Klaus Iohannis.

SOCCER – Romanian soccer vice-champion FCSB was eliminated from the Europa League after getting crushed 1-5 by Lazio Roma in a game away from home. In its first game of that competition, at home in Bucharest, FCSB had won 1-0. The team was the only one representing Romania at the European cup, and had previously managed to get to this stage five years ago as well.

FLU — 50 people have died of the flu this season in Romania, according to the latest toll published by the National Center for Supervision and Control of Transmittable Diseases. Over 500 people are sick with the virus. Most of them are in Bucharest, with Constanta, Olt, Brasov and Iasi following in terms of numbers. Health Minister Sorina Pintea said that right now there is no flu epidemic in Romania.

BUCHAREST — A delegation from GRECO, the Group of States Against Corruption, the European Councils anti-corruption body, visited Romania as part of an emergency review of the judicial system. According to a press release, GRECO met representatives of the government, members of Parliament, of NGOs, magistrates, and representatives of international institutions. The delegates underlined how important it was for state institutions to work together in a respectful manner, in line with the principles of the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. This visit will result in a report with specific recommendations. Last year, GRECO submitted a report outlining the fact that Romania has made little progress in the fight against corruption among MPs, judges and prosecutors.

WAGES — Romania has the third lowest minimum wage in the European Union. According to Eurostat, in January 2018 Bulgaria had the lowest minimum wage in the EU, 261 Euro a month, followed by Lithuania, 400 Euro, and Romania, 408. Generally speaking, the minimum wage in eastern member states is below 500 Euro a month, while in the northwest of the Union it exceeds 1,000 Euro. According to Eurostat, the lowest minimum wage in the EU is eight times lower than the highest.