Antonescu Opposes Geoana’s Appointment As High Representative Of Government
Liberal Party president Crin Antonescu said he opposes the appointment of social democrat senator Mircea Geoana as high representative of the government if such an appointment is to be made.
Asked whether he would be against Geoana’s appointment to the position, Antonescu said, “Of course, one has to be a serious person to act as high representative.” (Evenimentul Zilei)
President Calls Defense Council Meeting During China – CEE Summit
President Traian Basescu has called a meeting of the supreme defense council CSAT for Tuesday, at 3 pm, during the summit of heads of government of China and countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who serves as vice-president of the CSAT, has meetings scheduled with the prime ministers of Slovakia and Czech Republic at the time of the defense council meeting.
According to the president’s office, the defense council is to discuss the draft budgets of institutions with attributions in the field of national security. (Gandul)
Basescu Says Moldova Risks Arrogant Treatment From EU
Romanian President Traian Basescu said Monday on public radio the Republic of Moldova risks being treated arrogantly by the European Union, which doesn’t consider the electoral realities of the country.
“The big risk for the Republic of Moldova would be an arrogant treatment from the EU – mind you, I use this term responsibly – which wouldn’t take into consideration the electoral realities of Moldova,” said Basescu.
The head of state added the summit in Vilnius is a failure to the European Union and a tiny victory for Romania and the Republic of Moldova. (Adevarul)
Romania, China Sign Several Cooperation Agreements Targeting Energy Sector
Romania signed several cooperation agreements with China Monday, settling the resumption of cattle and pig exports to the Asian country and ensuring cooperation in several energy projects.
The two countries signed preliminary cooperation agreements to construct a thermoelectric power plant in Rovinari, upgrade two units of a thermoelectric power plant in Deva and build the Tarnita-Lapustesti hydropower station.
Romanian exports to China increased from $360 million in 2008 to about $1 billion last year.
Chinese investments in Romania are worth $160 million, while Romanian investments in China hit $280 million. (Adevarul)
Number Of Insolvencies In October Doubled From September
Romania’s Trade Registry Monday said the number of firms defaulting on their debts in October doubled compared to September and the number of insolvencies reached 23,543 in the first ten months of 2013, up some 8% on the year.
A total 21,862 firms entered insolvency in January-October 2012.
Some 3,323 firms went insolvent in October, more than double compared to 1,536 in September. (Curentul)
Parliamentary Commissions Approve Agriculture Ministry Budget
Senators in parliamentary commissions have debated and approved the 2014 draft budget for the Agriculture Ministry.
The draft had 12 amendments, of which the government only accepted one, namely to raise the budget by RON28.6 million. This money will go to around 10,000 farmers who own 279,000 cattle. (Evenimentul Zilei)
MS Patients Concerned Their Treatment Budget Remains Unchanged In 2014
Patients with multiple sclerosis have expressed concern over the 2014 budget of the National Health Insurance House for MS patients.
The budget is set to remain at the same level as in 2013 and does not cover the treatment of patients already diagnosed and those who will be diagnosed in the near future.
According to the health insurance house, its total budget for 2014 is higher than in 2013 and stands at RON22.559 billion. However, the budget for the treatment of neurological disease, which includes multiple sclerosis, has remained unchanged. (Curentul)
Labor Ministry Proposes To Issue 5,500 Work Permits For Foreigners
Romania’s Labor Ministry has proposed to issue 5,500 labor permits for foreigners in 2014, the same as this year.
Of the 5,500 work permits, 3,000 are for permanent workers. The Labor Ministry has put the proposition up for public debate. (Adevarul)