July 12, 2024 UPDATE
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 12.07.2024, 20:16
WEATHER A code orange alert for extremely hot weather has been issued for Romania’s central, northern and south-eastern regions on Saturday and Sunday whereas the rest of the territory remains under a code red alert. This has been the most significant extreme-weather alert in Romania, where highs are expected to range between 37 and 41 degrees Celsius. The noon reading in Bucharest is expected to stay around 40 degrees. Local and national authorities have been making efforts to diminish the effects of the heatwave that has engulfed Romania. First aid points have been set up in towns and cities across the country in order to help the citizens affected by the extreme heat. The circulation of heavy vehicles has been restricted on motorways in the 28 counties that are presently facing extremely hot weather.
DECREE The Romanian government had to amend an emergency decree on drug testing of drivers amid rising pressure from civil society. Unless the lab tests of biological samples are ready within 72 hours, drivers can have their licenses back. According to the authorities, all drivers are to take a drug test if road traffic agents have found illegal substances in their vehicle or in their possession. Should final lab tests turn positive, drivers will lose their licenses again and will bear the full consequences of the law.
BEARS The Chamber of Deputies is to convene in an emergency session next week to endorse a number of legislative amendments regarding the bear population of Romania. According to one such proposal, some 500 bears that endanger human lives are expected to be shot. Romanian forests are home to some 8,000 bears, although their natural habitat can sustain only half this figure, former Environment Minister Tánczos Barna told Radio Romania. The rise in bear population and their ever-growing presence close to human settlements were submitted to public debate again after a young girl was tragically killed a couple of days ago in a popular hiking trail.
WAGES The net average wages in Romania dropped to 1,025 Euros in May, roughly 10 Euros less compared to April, the National Institute for Statistics says. The gross average wage stood at 1,671 EUROS, 35 EUROS less than in April 2024. The highest average wages have been reported in the IT sector, including the provision of IT services – 2,250 EUROS, while the lowest average wages (550 Euros) have been reported in the clothing manufacturing industry.
(bill)
