Liberal Party Interim President Iohannis To Go On Campaign Tour Around The Country
Recently installed at the head of the Liberal Party and rumored to be the party’s presidential candidate, Klaus Iohannis announced he would like two presidential terms for the Liberal Party’s candidate.
Iohannis will go on a tour around Romania to present his political program within several regional meetings. (Gandul)
President Basescu Not Invited To Senate’s 150th Anniversary
Romanian President Traian Basescu was taken off the guest list for the Senate’s 150th anniversary.
Senate chairman Calin Popescu Tariceanu said the decision to not invite the president to the anniversary ceremony was made by Senate leaders to avoid awkward moments, considering Basescu is a partisan of a single-chamber Parliament.
Opposition democrat liberals protested the move and required the decision be made by the Senate in plenary. (Evenimentul Zilei)
World Bank Raises Romania Growth Outlook To 2.8% In 2014
The World Bank has revised its forecast on Romanian economic growth to 2.8% in 2014 and 3.2% in 2015, the bank said in its latest global economic prospects report.
“In Hungary and Romania, there are clearer signs that stronger external demand is spilling over into improvements in the labor market and recoveries in domestic demand,” the Washington-based institution said.
Romania’s domestic consumption growth is set to accelerate to 2% this year from 1.7% in 2013. Next year, the growth is expected to reach 2.4%. (Curierul National)
PM Victor Ponta Meets With EU, WB, IMF Delegations Thursday
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced a last meeting with the delegation of the European Commission, International Monetary Fund and World bank will take place Thursday.
Ponta said he hopes international lenders allow Romania to lower social security contributions in a reasonable time-frame and the measure is supported by all political actors, including the opposition.
Democratic Liberal Party president Vasile Blaga and Liberal Party interim president Klaus Iohannis had a joint meeting with the IMF Wednesday to discuss a 5% cut in social security contributions. (Puterea)
Vice Tax Contributes RON1.3B A Year To Healthcare Since 2006
Since its introduction in 2006, Romania’s vice tax brings around RON1.3 billion a year to the Health Ministry.
The ministry uses the money to fund national healthcare programs and rehabilitate and endow hospitals and ambulance units.
The tax is applied on tobacco and alcohol, except beer and wine. (Adevarul)