President Traian Basescu May Be Asked To Take Stand In A Privatization Case
Romanian politician Dan Voiculescu’s lawyers on Tuesday asked the court to hear President Traian Basescu as witness in a case concerning the privatization of the Food Research Institute (ICA).
Lawyers said the president may provide information regarding a construction permit for ICA issued during his term as Bucharest general mayor, after the institute was acquired by Voiculescu.
Anticorruption prosecutors asked the court to overrule the request filed by Voiculescu’s lawyers. (Curentul)
Romanian Foreign Ministry State Secretary Bogdan Aurescu Meets With Frank Rose
Romanian secretary of state with the Foreign Affairs Ministry Bogdan Aurescu on Wednesday met with U.S. deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense Policy Frank Rose.
The two officials held talks on the latest developments regarding the Romanian-U.S. antimissile shield project, the Romanian Defense Ministry said in a press release.
Rose said the U.S. Congress has ensured the financing needed to open the military base in Deveselu in 2015. (Curentul)
Romania May Apply Lump-Sum Tax In 2H/2013
Romanian Minister-delegate for SMEs and Tourism Maria Grapini said Monday the ministry has completed studies concerning the impact of applying a lump-sum tax, adding that the tax might be implemented in the second half of 2013.
According to Grapini, the impact studies have been sent to the Finance Ministry.
The minister said the lump-sum tax will apply in the HORECA industry and to car repair shops. (Curentul)
Some 60% Of Romanians Said EU Entry Changed They Lives In Bad Way
About 60% of Romanians said the country’s accession to the European Union changed their lives in a bad way as it led to a massive job loss, according to a survey conducted by the International Antidrug Center Supporting Human Rights (CIADO).
Only 31% said their lives took a good turn after Romania’s EU entry.
More than half of respondents said they didn’t know the role of EU institutions, and were unable to name them.
Also, about 51% of Romanians said they didn’t know what rights and responsibilities they have as EU citizens. (Curentul)