Ponta Says He Would Rebuild USL With Tariceanu’s New Party
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta was asked Wednesday whether he would remake the Social Liberal Union with Calin Popescu Tariceanu’s breakaway liberal party and said: “Of course, if possible.”
Asked whether he believes Tariceanu would make a good prime minister if Ponta is elected head of state, Ponta said Tariceanu was a good prime minister but he doubts he will want that position again.
Ponta added he has not had any talks with Tariceanu on a possible collaboration with the party he plans to set up with breakaway liberals. Tariceanu will launch his new Reform Liberal Party on Thursday. (Puterea)
Deputies Vote Against Lifting Immunity Of MP Titi Holban
Romania’s Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday voted against lifting the parliamentary immunity of UNPR lawmaker Titi Holban. The vote was secret.
MPs voted 198 to 96 against the lifting of Holban’s immunity that would have allowed his preventive arrest. Holban told lawmakers before the immunity vote that he is innocent and pleaded for a vote allowing him to keep his parliamentary immunity. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Chamber Adopts Bill Lowering Social Security Contributions
Romania’s Chamber of Deputies adopted unanimously on Wednesday a bill lowering social security contributions by 5 percentage points as of October 1.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta said statistical data show Romania is on track with its international commitments and may lower social security contributions. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Russia Bans Romanian Beef Imports Citing Mad Cow Disease
Russian food safety authorities have banned imports of bovines, beef and beef products from Romania, citing mad cow disease risks.
Romanian food safety authority president Vladimir Manastireanu told MEDIAFAX the country registered just one suspicion of the disease in one animal carcass. (Adevarul)
Parliament Adopts Bill Requiring ID For Pre-Paid Phone Cards Purchase
Romania’s Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday adopted a bill requiring ID on the purchase of mobile phone pre-paid cards.
MPs voted 195 to 20 and 75 abstentions to adopt the bill. The bill has already been adopted by the Senate.
If promulgated, the law will take effect as of January 1, 2015. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Simona Halep Makes It To Wimbledon Semifinals
Romanian tennis player Simona Halep, 3 WTA and third seeded, is the first Romanian player to accede to the semifinals at Wimbledon.
Halep defeated Germany’s Sabine Lisicki 6-4, 6-0.
Halep plays against Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard Thursday. (Romania Libera)