Crin Antonescu Might Replace Part Of Liberal Ministers
Romanian Liberal Party leader Crin Antonescu said Thursday he might replace a part of liberal ministers if need be, according to people close to the matter.
Calin Popescu Tariceanu, former prime minister, is dissatisfied with the activity of liberal ministers and told Antonescu Thursday evening they initiated no project whatsoever in the Government led by Prime Minister Victor Ponta, according to the sources.
Tariceanu called for a thorough analysis of liberal ministers’ activity. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Romanian Liberal Eduard Hellvig To Take Over Vacant MEP Seat
Romanian Liberal Party secretary general Eduard Hellvig will take over one of the vacant seats in the European Parliament reserved for liberals, after Cristian Busoi has been appointed head of the National Health Insurance House and Ramona Manescu was named Transport minister.
The party’s Standing Delegation will meet Friday for talks on who will take over the other vacant MEP seat. (Gandul)
Excise Taxes On Alcohol To Climb 33% Starting September 1
Excise duties for luxury products in Romania will rise 33% starting September 1 triggering price increases of up to 30%.
Following the increase, Romania will have one of the highest excise rates in Europe.
The measure targets luxury cars and watches, jewels and yachts.
Moreover, Romania will also increase excises on alcohol starting September, from EUR750 per hectoliter to EUR1,000/hectoliter. (Curentul)
Romanian Prosecutors Start Hearings In Communist Jail Boss Case
Romanian prosecutors start hearings in a case investigating Alexandru Visinescu, who ran the Ramnicu Sarat prison, where pre-communist politicians and intellectuals were incarcerated tortured and murdered.
The former prison commander is accused of aggravated murder.
Prosecutors will first hear witness Valentin Cristea, the only Romanian political prisoner incarcerated at Ramnicu Sarat who is alive and may give testimony. (Gandul)