Dragnea Says Social Democratic Party Can’t Remain In Power With Disputes In The Coalition
Liviu Dragnea, political coordinator of the ruling Social Democratic Party, said social democrats can’t remain in government if there are disputes within the ruling coalition.
Dragnea said he spoke to Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who is on sick leave in Turkey, and asked him to return as soon as possible and take back the reins, as the country needs government and political stability. (Adevarul)
EC To Watch Romanian Parliament’s Amendments To Criminal Code
The situation in Romania where Parliament refused to allow the prosecution of the prime minister, probed for corruption, was discussed by the European Parliament’s commission for civil liberties, justice and home affairs (LIBE).
The European Commission will keep close watch on the changes the Romanian Parliament will make to the criminal code and criminal procedure code to ensure the judiciary is not under attack, said EU commissioner Frans Timmermans. (Puterea)
Government To Discuss Gas Price Liberalization Next Week
The Romanian government will discuss the new gas price liberalization calendar on Tuesday, after Competition Council asked for including data regarding the aid granted to heating producers in the government decision, said Niculae Havrilet, head of energy regulator ANRE.
The government agreed with European Commission on a new deregulation calendar for household consumers, which stipulates annual price hikes instead of quarterly price increases, by RON6 per MWh.
According to the new deregulation calendar, gas prices for household consumers will rise from RON53MW/h to RON60MW/h in July 2015, to RON66 in 2016, to RON72 in 2017, and to RON78MW/h in 2018.
Romania agreed with the European Commission and the IMF to deregulate its gas and electricity markets. The gas market was deregulated for companies in January 2014 and only household consumers currently pay regulated prices. (Puterea)
Organizers Suspend International Literature And Translation Festival In Iasi
Organizers have suspended this year’s edition of the International Literature and Translation Festival in Iasi following a politically-motivated scandal.
Organizers said they were suspending the third annual edition of the literary festival, which was scheduled for September 30 – October 4, in protest to local political disputes and attempts to discredit the festival, its organizers and guests, excessive bureaucracy and rigid legislation. (Evenimentul Zilei)