March 8, 2014 UPDATE
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România Internațional, 08.03.2014, 12:47
The Constitutional Court of Romania on Saturday rejected a challenge regarding the constitutional nature of parliament’s vote on the change in the government’s structure and political make-up. The challenge was filed by the Liberal Democratic Party in opposition and the People’s Movement Party, who argue that the formation of a new alliance by the Social Democrat prime minister Victor Ponta and the entry of the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians into the cabinet has led to a change in the governing programme that won the now defunct Social Liberal Union the 2012 elections. The Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians joined the government following the withdrawal of the Liberals from the Social Liberal Union and the government. In the meantime, the new cabinet has submitted a new programme on which it will seek a vote of confidence in Parliament next week. The programme provides, among others, for lower taxes, the expansion of the tax base, the simplification of the tax system, improving the collection of budget revenues and fighting tax evasion.
The American ship USS Truxtun is in the Romanian Black Sea port of Constana until Tuesday for a routine visit and joint exercises with the Romanian and Bulgarian navy. The crew will also exchange information with the Romanian side. USS Truxtun is an Arleigh-Burke destroyer launched in 2007 named after the American naval hero Thomas Truxton. The destroyer is a fast military vessel carrying artillery, missiles and torpedoes designed to destroy enemy torpedo boats and submarines and escort vessels that cannot defend themselves.
Fitch Ratings has confirmed Romania’s BBB minus rating with a stable outlook for long-term currency loans, the lowest investment grade rating. Loans in national currency are rated BBB. According to Fitch, Romania’s public finance is generally under control and the country has sustainable fiscal and external resources. As far as risks are concerned, Fitch notes that 2014 is an election year and that political tensions have increased following the break-up of the Social Liberal Union and the conflicts between the president and the prime minister.
Romania’s rugby team on Saturday defeated Belgium at home 29-10 in the last but one leg of the European Cup of Nations, thus consolidating their second position in their group. In their next match, Romania meet group leaders Georgia in Tbilisi on the 15th of March.
