High Court Criticizes Politicians For Discrediting Justice
The president of Romania’s High Court of Justice Livia Stanciu on Thursday criticized top-level politicians for discrediting the justice system and the judicial process.
“It’s incredible how politicians in high places make comments that seek to discredit the judiciary,” she said.
She added the country’s prime minister, a prosecutor, has given to understand the urgency of cases may depend on a defendant’s political affiliation. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Basescu Tells Rompuy Romania Targets Schengen Entry By October
Romanian President Traian Basescu said Thursday he has informed Council of Europe president Hermann von Rompuy that Romania plans to be a member of the Schengen Area by the end of this year.
Basescu, who will be ending his presidential term in December 2014, said he asked for Rompuy’s support for the country to enter the Schengen Area in October. (Romania Libera)
Comarnic-Brasov Highway Maintenance Cost Seen At EUR1B
Romanian authorities estimate to pay builders up to EUR1 billion for maintenance on the Comarnic-Brasov highway during a 26-year concession period.
The government expects to raise the money from a highway toll estimated at RON5.7/km, net of VAT.
The 53-km highway section will cost EUR1.8 billion to build and is expected to be completed in 2017. (Evenimentul Zilei)
CEC Uses Swiss Grant To Give Loans To Romanian SMEs At 3.65% Interest
CEC Bank will grant small and medium-sized businesses loans in lei for investments at an interest of 3.65% a year, using a CHF20 million grant from Switzerland.
The Romanian-Swiss program for SMEs targets businesses in manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and trade.
CEC will contribute the equivalent of CHF8.5 million to the Swiss grant, bringing available funding to CHF28.5 million. SMEs may take loans of up to CHF100,000 (RON366,330). Beneficiaries may also access state guarantees covering 80% of the loan through the Romanian national SMEs guarantee fund. (Jurnalul National)
Anticorruption Prosecutors Seek Prison Sentences For Defendants In Ridzi Case
Anticorruption prosecutors on Thursday called for prison sentences for defendants in the case where former youth and sports minister Monica Iacob Ridzi is accused of embezzlement.
The former minister’s case is currently in the final pleas stage and is tried by a three-judge panel of the High Court of Justice. (Puterea)