Senate Rejects Proposition To Ban Hydraulic Fracking
The Romanian Senate rejected Wednesday a legal initiative banning hydraulic fracking for the exploration and exploitation of shale gas reserves.
The bill, initiated by MP Tudor Ciuhodaru, also proposed the annulment of exclusive exploration licenses for projects using fracking.
The bill will move on for debates in the Chamber of Deputies. (Puterea)
Government To Approve 2014 Budget And Administrative Decentralization On November 14
The Government will approve the state budget for next year and the bill on decentralization on Thursday, November 14, Prime Minister Victor Ponta said.
He added the Cabinet will likely seek a confidence vote in Parliament on decentralization on November 19. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Romanians Save EUR40 A Month On Average, Erste Survey Shows
Romanians saved on average EUR40 a month in the last year, but only three out of five savers use a financial product when putting aside money, a survey from Austria’s Erste Group showed Wednesday.
By comparison, Austrians put aside EUR181 a month, while Slovaks saved on average EUR90 a month, Erste said in its 2013 CEE Savings Barometer report.
It said saving is important for 84% of Romanians, with most of the polled people listing back-up funds and unexpected emergencies as the main reasons for saving money. However, only 19% of Romanians are satisfied with how much money they put aside, the report showed. (Puterea)
Ponta To Assist Romgaz London Stock Exchange Listing
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta will travel to the UK next week to assist the listing of state-owned natural gas producer on the London Stock Exchange.
The estimated date for the company’s listing in both Bucharest and London is Tuesday, November 12.
Romania sold a 15% stake in Romgaz for RON1.7 billion lei (EUR382.8 million, $534 million) in the largest Romanian public offering ever to be completed and the first privatization to include a global depository receipt (GDR) component to be traded on the London Stock Exchange. (Curierul National)
Over 7,000 Romanian Teachers Protested In Bucharest Wednesday
Over 7,000 teachers protested outside the government building in Bucharest Wednesday and marched up to the Parliament, demanding decent wages and 6% of the GDP allotted to education next year.
Demonstrators wore t-shirts reading “Save education” and accused the government of lying. The Cabinet committed to allot 6% of GDP to education each year in its governing program but has failed to keep its promise. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Over 65 Tons Of Chicken Pulled From Romanian Shops
Over 65 tons of chicken meat from processor Avicola Calarasi have been pulled from shops as of October 30 and 22.4 tons have been destroyed, said food safety authority president Vladimir Manastireanu.
Authorities ordered stores and markets to recall the producer’s chicken products after tests revealed that some were contaminated with salmonella.
Manastireanu added there are no concerns over people’s health and there have been no reports of people getting sick. (Adevarul)