Government Control Body Found No Evidence Of Wrongdoing In President’s Daughter Land Purchase
The prime minister’s control body found several land restitutions in Nana commune, Calarasi county, were made illegally but long before the president’s daughter bought land in the area.
Ioana Basescu, daughter of Romanian President Traian Basescu, bought 290 hectares of farmland in the area using a controversial bank loan. While authorities found a strong local mafia, there was no evidence to suggest the president or his daughter were involve din any illegal activity. (Adevarul)
Antonescu Speaks Of Potential Resignation From Party Leadership
Liberal Party president Crin Antonescu said on Gandul Live that if he is to surrender party leadership in case liberals score below 20% in European Parliament elections, he would still run in the presidential election.
Antonescu was asked whether his potential resignation from the chairmanship of the Liberal Party in case of a poor EP election score entails his withdrawal from the presidential race.
“No, that’s a different matter. There is no immediate connection between the two,” he said. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Parliament Adopts SME Law
The Romanian Parliament adopted a law on small and medium-sized businesses Tuesday.
The law, which includes a series of programs such as grants and loans, was adopted with 318 votes in favor and none against.
“I think two of the most important aspects are access to financing and the annual allocation of 0.4% of the GDP and European funds to SMEs,” said minister Florin Jianu. (Curierul National)
Romanian Antitrust Watchdog Issued Fines Of EUR19.6M In 2013
Romania’s Competition Council issued fines totaling more than EUR19.6 million in 2013, to 35 companies.
Last year’s antitrust fines were 187% higher than in 2012 but 15 times lower than in 2011, the authority said in its activity report released Tuesday. (Gandul)
Constanta Mayor Radu Mazare Detained On Corruption Charges
Constanta mayor Radu Mazare was detained by anticorruption prosecutors Tuesday for allegedly rigging a public auction in favor of a certain businessman.
Mazare is accused of receiving a bribe of EUR175,000 to award a social housing construction contract to a certain company which would then raise the contract value. (Evenimentul Zilei)