Basescu Criticizes EU’s Indecision In Sanctioning Russia
Romanian President Traian Basescu has criticized the lack of firm decisions on the part of the European Union in imposing sanctions on Russia.
“Because Putin was not discouraged in time and there is a Russian-fueled political conflict in eastern Europe, 192 Europeans died Thursday afternoon,” Basescu said in a statement, adding the European council should have adopted tougher sanctions on Russia sooner. (Evenimentul Zilei)
MEP Monica Macovei Seeks Inclusion In Selecting Right-Wing Presidential Candidate
Democrat liberal MEP Monica Macovei said Monday evening on B1 TV she requests to be included in the selection process of right-wing candidates for the 2014 presidential election.
Macovei said research should establish the candidate with the highest chances of becoming president. She explained the Romanian right wing should have an inside race to determine a candidate with good chances at winning against the leftist candidate.
She also said right-wing voters’ choices should not be limited to Catalin Predoiu or Klaus Iohhanis. (Adevarul)
Liberals Officially Designate Klaus Iohannis To Run For President
The Liberal Party on Monday designated party leader Klaus Iohannis to run for president in this year’s election.
The party’s standing delegation gave Iohannis 111 votes, while former party leader Crin Antonescu got 55 votes.
Iohannis’ chances at winning will be measured in a sociological survey against the Democratic Liberal party’s candidate, Catalin Predoiu. (Gandul)
Romania Sells RON557M 10-Year Bonds At 3.88% Average Yield
Romania’s Finance Ministry on Monday raised a higher-than-planned 556.9 million lei (EUR125.2 million) in a reopening of its 10-year bond due June 2021, as the average yield fell to 3.88% a year, from 4.13% a year at the previous auction.
The ministry had an indicative target of RON300 million for Monday’s sale. Banks offered RON973.9 million, central bank data showed. The issue will be reopened tomorrow in a bid to raise RON45 million at a supplementary non-competitive sale.
At the most recent reopening of the bond in June, the ministry sold RON500 million of 10-year paper. (Curierul National)
Romania Ranks Second In EU By EU Fund Fraud
Romania has the second largest number of EU funding frauds reported in 2013, overtaken only by Italy.
Romania reported 109 cases of fraud last year in spending European money and EUR36.5 million were not used according to approved projects, antena3.ro reported.
Italy reported 302 cases of fraud and misspent EUR68.4 million. (Puterea)
Businessman George Copos Awaits Verdict In Lottery Case
Businessman George Copos and four other defendants are awaiting a verdict expected Wednesday in the Lottery case.
Copos is accused of evading over EUR1 million in taxes after selling commercial spaces in 2004 to the Romanian Lottery and only drawing up paperwork for a quarter of the amount.
Copos was sentenced in this case to four years in prison in January 2013. (Puterea)