March 23, 2026
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 23.03.2026, 13:55
Social-Democrats consider withdrawal from ruling coalition
The Permanent Bureau of the Social Democrats (PSD) convened today at the headquarters to decide the timeline for internal consultations regarding a potential withdrawal from the ruling coalition they from alongside PNL, USR and UDMR. Following the adoption of the 2026 state budget on Friday, PSD President Sorin Grindeanu said that members will also decide whether it is appropriate to replace the Liberal Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan. Grindeanu added that he will travel to Brussels next week to inform the Party of European Socialists of the internal evaluation. He noted that “all options are on the table”, adding that PSD will not vote for a minority government or form an alliance with the opposition nationalist party, AUR.
Authorities are reviewing measures amidst fuel price hikes
The Government has announced an extraordinary session for Tuesday to adopt an emergency ordinance aimed at limiting fuel price increases. Specifically, a state of crisis will be declared on the crude oil and petroleum products market for six months, with the possibility of three-month extensions.
Measures to protect the economy and the population include capping commercial markups across the entire supply chain for petrol, diesel, and raw materials. During the crisis, the biofuel content in gasoline will be reduced to lower the final price. Furthermore, the export and intra-community delivery of fuel will only be permitted with prior written consent from the Ministries of Economy and Energy.
Health Minister visits Brussels
Romania’s Health Minister, Alexandru Rogobete, is paying an official visit to Brussels on Monday and Tuesday. The visit aims to strengthen institutional dialogue, exchange best practices in medical service organization, and participate in a European debate on mental health and the responsible use of digital tools in prevention.
The Minister visited the Queen Astrid Military Hospital today, and tomorrow will speak at the European Parliament event: “Prevention in Mental Health in the Digital Age in Europe: Digital Tools, Human Expertise and the Protection of Minors”. Talks will focus on the impact of AI, the protection of minors online and the responsible use of technology in prevention.
Digital education summit in Washington
An official Romanian delegation will participate in the inaugural summit of a global coalition dedicated to children’s digital education in Washington, organized by US First Lady Melania Trump. An invitation was extended to Mirabela Grădinaru, the partner of President Nicușor Dan. The summit promotes international cooperation for child welfare through education, innovation and technology.
The Presidency in Bucharest noted that the initiative targets access to modern tools, including AI solutions, to support students, teachers and parents. The agenda includes a working session at the State Department on March 24 and a high-level meeting at the White House on March 25.
Aircraft scrambled amidst drone scare
Two German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons, currently serving in the Enhanced Air Policing mission, were scrambled on Sunday night from the 57th Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base. This followed the detection of drones near Romania’s border with Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Defense. Radar contact was lost while the target was east of Sulina. No debris was reported on national territory, and the air alert ended at 10 P.M. local time.
New wave of attacks in Middle East conflict
The Israeli military announced on Monday a new wave of attacks on the Iranian capital, with Iranian media reporting explosions in several areas of Tehran. Conversely, the IDF said that Iran has launched missiles toward Israel, with air defense systems currently intercepting the attacks.
A separate wave of Iranian strikes, including cluster munitions, was intercepted over Tel Aviv overnight. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has warned it will close it completely if the USA fulfills President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian power plants. IEA Director General Fatih Birol stated that the best solution to current global energy problems is the reopening of the Strait, noting he is discussing with world governments and may release oil stocks if necessary.
Local elections in France
The Left has retained control of France’s three largest cities (Paris, Marseille and Lyon) in Sunday’s municipal elections. The far-right, currently leading polls for the 2027 presidential election, won several medium-sized southern cities but failed to take major targets like Toulon or Nîmes.
Socialist candidate Emmanuel Grégoire, 48, won decisively in Paris. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU won the regional elections in Rhineland-Palatinate, defeating the Social Democrats in their own stronghold. While the AfD achieved record scores, the victory provides a reprieve for Merz ahead of a busy electoral calendar in the East this autumn.
Sports: tennis and handball
Romanian tennis player Jaqueline Cristian has qualified for the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 tournament in Miami, for the first time, defeating Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in Miami. She will next face world no. 5 Jessica Pegula of the USA. She is joined in the round of 16 by Sorana Cîrstea, who will play world no. 4 Coco Gauff of the USA.
In handball, the Romanian men’s national team was eliminated from the 2027 World Cup race by Türkiye, losing 37-31 in the second leg. Meanwhile, CS Gloria Bistrița defeated Denmark’s Ikast 35-34 in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League play-offs. (VP)
