Mayors Want To Appoint Their Own Deputies
The head of the Association of Communes in Romania, Emil Draghici, asked Monday at the forum of local public administration to have deputy mayors appointed by mayors instead of by vote of local councilors.
“Deputy mayors should be appointed by the mayor, otherwise the mayor’s opponent may end up in the position and then local administration is marred by feuds,” said Draghici.
He also asked to go back to the lower number of local councilors regulated by the old law and the adoption of local council decisions with a 50%+1 vote majority. (Adevarul)
Government Sets Development Strategy Priorities
The government wants to propose a set of measures by the end of its term for the development of the Jiu Valley, Rosia Montana and Moldavia, said prime minister Dacian Ciolos.
“We want to come up with an integrated approach for the development of the Jiu Valley, as promised before local elections, as well as for Rosia Montana. We want to bring not just rules and restrictions but development projects in these areas. I’ve had talks with local authorities in the Moldavia region for integrated development of this area as well. We intend to propose integrated development approaches for these three areas by the end of this Cabinet’s term,” said Ciolos.
He added EU funds and funds form the state budget may be used to finance development projects. (Puterea)
Nuclearelectrica Buys 120 Tons Of Uranium From Canada
State-owned nuclear power producer Nuclearelectrica , which operates Romania’s sole nuclear power plant, has signed a contract to purchase 120 tons of uranium dioxide powder from Canada’s Cameco.
In February, Nuclearelectrica terminated its contract with Romania’s National Uranium Company (CNU) after the latter boosted by 76% the agreed price for the supply of uranium, way above the market price.
CNU asked for RON840 per kilo of uranium powder, which Nuclearelectrica rejected. Following a tender, the power producer awarded its 120 tons contract to the other qualified bidder, Cameco, which bid RON495 per kilo. (Adevarul)
Foreign Investors Oppose Wider Role Of Consumer Protection Authority
A bill changing the statute of Romania’s consumer protection authority, under debate in Parliament, discourages investors interested in Romania and sends a negative signal to the market, said AmCham Romania vice-president Radu Florescu.
“There are three major criteria for investors in Romania: transparency, stability, predictability. The bill is a major concern for businesspeople in Romania. It is yet another example meant to discover interested investors and investors already on the market,” said Florescu.
He said the bill has three problems: lack of transparency, excessive regulation and conflict between attributions of state authorities. (Puterea)
Local Currency Lending Grew 50% on Year in Jan-May
Banks gave local currency loans totaling RON12 billion to individuals in January-May, 50% higher than in the same period last year, due to lower interests on loans in lei.
New mortgage loans increased 54% in January-May, to a total RON5 billion, while new consumer loans topped RON7 billion, a 44% annual increase, central bank data showed.
In May alone, consumer loans grew 5% compared with April and with May 2015, totaling RON1.6 billion.
Mortgage loans grew 17% in May compared with April and by more than 50% compared with May 2015, to a total RON1.35 billion. (Evenimentul Zilei)