July 13, 2026
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 13.07.2026, 13:55
GOVERNMENT During the talks held today by the president of Romania Nicuşor Dan with the leaders of the former governing coalition (comprising the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, Save Romania Union and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania), as well as with the leader of the parliamentary group of national minorities, in an attempt to end the current political crisis, the Social Democratic leader Sorin Grindeanu said his party is in Opposition. He added snap elections cannot be ruled out at this point, but warned that this would further extend the country’s political and economic instability. Previously, president Dan said he was not giving up on two conditions, namely the appointment of a prime minister only if they have the required support in Parliament, and no majority that includes votes from the populist, ultranationalist AUR party in opposition. On May 5, the government led by Liberal leader Ilie Bolojan was dismissed following a no-confidence vote initiated by the Social Democrats and AUR. The Liberals and Save Romania Union (USR) subsequently decided to no longer join a cabinet that includes the PSD. The head of state’s two nominations for the PM post, a presidential advisor and a Liberal later repudiated by the party, failed to solve the political crisis.
UKRAINE A new meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine is taking place in Paris today. At least 25 leaders discuss increasing support for Ukraine and keeping pressure on Russia to accept a ceasefire and resume peace negotiations. The agenda includes the fight against Russia’s shadow fleet, which carries oil illegally, the mobilisation of the European defence industry in support of Ukraine, and strengthening its air and ballistic missile defence. Created at the initiative of France and Britain, the Coalition in support of Ukraine includes 35 states, joined by the Republic of Moldova and North Macedonia. Romania is represented by president Nicuşor Dan, who has been invited, along with the other heads of state and government, to attend tomorrow’s celebrations of France’s National Day. Troops from all Coalition countries will be taking part in the traditional military parade on Champs-Elysée, along with French troops. Romania will be represented by a unit of the Romanian Army’s “Mihai Viteazul” 30th Guards Brigade.
POPULATION Romania’s population is expected to drop by over 3.4 million people by 2080, and to age significantly, the National Statistics Institute announced. According to the latest estimates, over a quarter of the population will be elderly and only about 13.7% young people. The INS also says the largest negative increase was reported last year in the southern region of Muntenia, and the smallest in Bucharest-Ilfov. Experts say the population could stay at around 19 million by 2030, if the economy continues to recruit foreign workers.
INFLATION The annual inflation rate fell to 10.42% in June, from 10.85% in May, according to data released on Monday by the National Statistics Institute. The decrease comes as services have become more expensive by 13.67%, non-foodstuffs by 12.29%, and foodstuff by 5.75%. The National Bank of Romania has revised upwards the inflation forecast for the end of this year, from 3.9% to 5.5%, and expects it to reach 2.9% by the end of next year, according to data made public in May by the central bank Governor Mugur Isărescu.
FOOTBALL Universitatea Craiova won Romania’s football Super Cup, after defeating Universitatea Cluj on Sunday at home, 5-3 after penalty shootouts. Universitatea Craiova for the first time achieved the domestic treble, having won the championship and the Romanian Cup. The Craiova-based team had won the Romanian Super Cup only once before, in 2021, against CFR Cluj. (AMP)
