Health Minister Says Over 80 People In Critical Condition After Bucharest Nightclub Fire
Health Minister Nicolae Banicioiu on Wednesday said over 80 of the 133 people injured in a fire at the Colectiv nightclub in Bucharest’s 4th district last Friday are in a critical condition.
The minister praised the entire medical staff, saying all doctors, including the ones who came from abroad, are doing an amazing job.
The fire at Colectiv last Friday broke out as some 400 people gathered for a free rock concert by the band Goodbye to Gravity. Survivors said the fireworks set off inside the club ignited foam decor. The club’s single exit was overwhelmed in the panic that followed.
The three owners of the club have been arrested amid allegations that the venue was overcrowded, lacked the required number of emergency exits, and may not have been authorised to hold such a concert. Concerns that safety was compromised because of corruption, a long-standing issue in Romania, have fuelled public anger. (Puterea)
Romania Had 5,133,300 Pensioners At The End Of September
The total number of pensioners in Romania reached 5,133,300 at the end of September this year, 3,900 fewer than in August, according to statistics published by the Labor Ministry.
As regards pensioners reaching the retirement age, their number stood at 3,801,900 at the end of September, 1,300 fewer than in August when their number stood at 3,800,600.
The number of people retiring early rose by 300 to 23,600 people. (Adevarul)
Romania Imported EUR3.13B Worth Of Foods In First Seven Months Of 2015
In the first seven months of 2015, Romania exported tens of thousands tons of exotic fruits such as bananas, pineapple, coconuts and avocado and imported traditional products such as bacon, leek, sparkling water, honey and even fresh eggs.
Romania again registered agri-food products trade deficit (the country imports more than it exports), but it also faces a paradox. The most shocking aspect is that Romania imports bacon, leek and turnip, but exports bananas, pineapple and coconuts.
Agriculture Ministry data show that Romania imported foods worth EUR3.13 billion and exported foods worth EUR3.06 billion in January-July 2015, which triggered a deficit of nearly EUR70 million. (Adevarul)
President Iohannis Scheduled Consultations With Political Parties On Thursday And Friday
Following the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta, President Klaus Iohannis scheduled consultations with political parties at the presidential palace, on Thursday and Friday, which will come up with propositions for the position of prime minister.
Consultations start Thursday, at 3:00 p.m., with social democrats and will continue with liberals, at 5:00 p.m., and minorities at 7:00 p.m. Consultations will continue Friday with UNPR leaders, at 11:30 a.m. and ALDE at 12:30 p.m..
Ponta resigned Wednesday, following mass protests in the Romanian capital after a Bucharest nightclub fire left 32 dead and dozens of others critically injured. (Puterea)
PM Ponta Resigns After Bucharest Nightclub Fire Leaves 32 Dead
Romanian Prime Minster Victor Ponta resigned Wednesday, following mass protests in the Romanian capital after a Bucharest nightclub fire left 32 dead and dozens of others critically injured.
Ponta said he is tendering his resignation and hopes the fall of his government satisfies the expectations of people who protested in the streets. He added rational solutions are required.
Over 25,000 people protested in the Romanian capital Tuesday evening calling on Ponta, interior minister Gabriel Oprea, and Bucharest district 4 mayor Cristian Popescu Piedone to resign. Protesters carried banners reading “Corruption kills” and demanded resignations following the Friday night club fire. (Adevarul)