PM Dismisses Tax Chief Amid Corruption Probe
Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos on Thursday dismissed Gelu Diaconu, head of Romania’s tax authority ANAF, and his deputy, Mihai Gogancea-Vatasoiu, targeted by an anticorruption probe.
Daniel Diaconescu has been appointed interim tax chief.
Romania’s anticorruption department DNA said on Wednesday they are under investigation for abuse of office in a case of EU funds misappropriation, involving lawmakers Madalin Voicu and Nicolae Paun. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Consumer Protection Authority Wins Case Against OTP Bank
Romania’s consumer protection authority has won a collective lawsuit against lender OTP Bank, which was found guilty of introducing abusive clauses in two types of mortgage lending contracts.
The ruling is final and the bank will have to pay back the money it collected abusively.
The consumer protection authority is currently involved in 43 separate trials against ten banks, regarding abusive lending terms. (Puterea)
Underprivileged Romanians To Benefit From Lower Gas Bills – Draft
Romanians with low income and other underprivileged categories will benefit from lower utility tariffs, according to an order of the energy regulator pending approval.
The bill states the rights of vulnerable social categories in terms of utility tariffs but the country has yet to define criteria to categorize vulnerable consumers. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Romania To Appoint Private Managers In 13 State Companies
Romania will appoint private managers in 13 state companies, including Salrom, Cupru Min, Conversmin, and companies in the defense industry, said economy minister Costin Borc.
“I presented the prime minister with a list of 13 companies majority owned by the Ministry of Economy,” he said, adding state representatives in general shareholders meetings will no longer be paid for this job and the ministry will no longer directly administer these companies.
“You can’t be a general director at the ministry and chairman of the board in a state company. There’s no time to do both jobs well,” the minister said. (Adevarul)