February 2, 2024 UPDATE

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 02.02.2024, 20:00

ALERT – Romanian health
authorities have declared a state of epidemiological alert as the incidence of
respiratory infections passed the average level for the last three seasons for
the third week in a row. Health minister Alexandru Rafila expects the number of
cases to go back to normal at the end of the month, saying it won’t be
necessary to declare an epidemic. He explained that the state of
epidemiological alert allows the healthcare system to prepare for a possible
increase in the number of cases.

DEBATE – The president of
Romania, Klaus Iohannis, will be addressing a plenary sitting of the European
Parliament on February 7 in Strasbourg on the sidelines of the debate titled
This is Europe, the Presidency reports. President Iohannis will present his
vision on the main challenges facing the EU, with a focus on joint action with
a view to defending and promoting European citizens’ rights, welfare and
security. In this context, Klaus Iohannis will also have consultations with the
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola. The agenda for talks will
address hot topics on the EU agenda and the priorities for 2024.

CITIZENSHIP – A draft law
providing for the elimination of risks with respect to the illegal obtaining of
the Romanian citizenship has been submitted for public debate by the Justice
Ministry. According to a press release, revising the Citizenship Law is a
necessary prerequisite to Romania joining the Visa Waiver program. The new bill
is expected to tighten the criteria and procedures for obtaining or regaining
the Romanian citizenship. Romania needs a straightforward, predictable and
stable framework in the field of citizenship, the Justice Ministry pointed out.

FARMERS – Romanian farmers
and transporters announced they have reached an agreement with PM Marcel
Ciolacu, which is expected to put an end to protests that have spanned several
days. Under the said agreement the Government will set up an inter-ministry
committee, including representatives of employers’ associations, as well as
unaffiliated farmers and transporters, expected to start its activity next
week. We want to cooperate with state institutions, as originally stated. We
will go back to our homes and farms, as we have a lot of work to do, one of
the protesters said.

AQUATICS – Eight Romanian
athletes, five swimmers and three divers, are taking part in the World Aquatics
Championships in Doha, under way until the 18th of February. David Popovici, the European champion in the
100 and 200 m freestyle race, is not taking part. The leaders of the Romanian
delegation are Constantin Popovici, the defending high diving world champion,
and Cătălin Preda, the world vice-champion. (CM & VP)