Bucharest Becomes Thermal Attraction After Opening Of Therme Bucharest
As of January 14, Bucharest will be joining the exclusive club of European spas with tradition in the use of thermal waters such as Rome, Vienna, Budapest, following an investment of about EUR50 million in the Therme complex located in Balotesti (a commune in northern Ilfov County).
Therme Bucharest is the largest thermal complex in Europe, stretches on 250,000 square meters, has an indoor area of 30,000 square meters and a capacity of 4,000 people. The thermal water comes from a depth of over 3,100 meters and the facility also houses the largest botanical garden in Romania with over 800,000 plants. The absolute novelty in the Spa & Wellness area is represented by the six themed saunas and a steam bath.
Bucharest thus advances to Europe’s second largest thermal city after the oldest historically documented thermal city on the continent, Rome. (Puterea)
Heating Distributor RADET May Have To Pay Damages To Its Clients
Heating distributor RADET may have to pay damages to Bucharest citizens who have not received heat during the winter.
Although unaware of their rights, people ought to know that they can sue RADET, the main hot water and heating supplier.
Mihai Mereuta, president of the League of the Habitat Homeowners Association said: „According to the provisions of Order no. 91 of March 20, 2007, approving the frame regulation of the public thermal power supply service, issued by A.N.R.S.C., the supplier is obliged to pay damages to the user in case of deterioration of installations for the use of thermal power, of damaging people’s health and in case of failure to observe the thermal power supply parameters stipulated in the current regulation.” (Evenimentul Zilei)
Greek Inflation Turns Positive First Time Since 2013
Greek inflation turned positive in December, ending almost three years of non-stop price declines during the country’s economic and political crisis.
The 0.4% increase, based on an EU measure, followed a 0.1% drop in November and marked the first positive reading since February 2013, according to a statement from the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Analysts’ median estimate was for a 0.2% increase last month.
The return of inflation in Greece moves the country above the average for the euro area, where consumer prices rose an annual 0.2% in December 2015.
The biggest price increases in December last year were in food and non-alcoholic beverages, which rose 2.7%, and hotels, cafes and restaurants, up 2.5%. The main deflationary drag came from housing costs, including heating oil, which fell 3.8%. (Adevarul)
Government To Set Up Workgroups For Minimum Wage And Unitary Wage Bill
The Romanian Government decided in its weekly Wednesday meeting to set up two workgroups: one for the gross minimum wage and one for the bill regarding the unitary wage system in the public sector.
The inter-ministerial workgroup that will draft the new wage bill hold its first meeting on January 14 and its last meeting on February 4.
According to government spokesperson Dan Suciu, the new wage bill is to be completed by mid-February.
Suciu said the inter-ministerial group will start consultations with all institutions and ministries which will express their opinion regarding the amendments to the public wage law. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Government Approves Enforcing Norms Of Bill On Financing Political Parties
The Romanian Government approved the enforcing norms of the bill on the financing of political parties, which obliges parties to register all income sources and keep account books.
The bill strictly caps expenses depending on the type of election expenses. The norms stipulate that funds can be allocated up to a certain percentage level for each category of expenses and only for certain products and services, but gives candidates a free hand to manage their spending.
Parties and alliances must get at least 3% of total valid votes and observe the spending cap set by the law, for each category of election expenses. (Puterea)