President Challenges Referendum Quorum Bill At Constitutional Court
Romanian President Traian Basescu on Saturday notified the Constitutional Court on the bill that lowers the required quorum on national referendums to 30% from 50%.
The president said the referendum bill contains provisions that infringe on constitutional dictates on the sovereignty of the people. (Jurnalul National)
Finance Minister Says Low VAT On Bread To Eliminate Large Chunk Of Tax Evasion
The negative impact on the state budget of a lower sales tax on bread products will be much lower that initially estimated, said Finance Minister Daniel Chitoiu.
The minister said he is optimistic the negative impact on the state budget of a 9% sales, lowered from 24%, will not be as big as initially estimated because it is expected to eliminate a good deal of tax evasion in the bread industry. (Jurnalul National)
Romania’s Wheat Exports Up 1.6 Times In 1H , To 1.15 Million Tons
Romania exported 1.151 million tons of wheat in the first half of this year, up 1.6 times from the same period in 2012, according to Agriculture Ministry data.
In the first half of 2012, Romania exported 711,605 tons of wheat.
Exports of wheat and wheat-rye mix brought the country EUR295 million in January-June, double compared to the same period the year before.
On the other hand, Romania’s wheat imports in the first half of 2013 stood at 144,771 tons, over 1.5 times higher on the year, and cost EUR34.39 million. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Protests Over Rosia Montana Gather 15,000 Demonstrators In Bucharest On 22nd Day
Protests against the opening of an open-cast gold mine in Rosia Montana, western Romania, have continued into their 22nd day and around 15,000 people rallied Sunday in Bucharest.
Demonstrators occupied the University Square in the city center after a four-hour march through the city. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Romanian Doctors To Continue Protests
The head of the Romanian Physicians College, Vasile Astarastoae, told a news conference Sunday protests in the health care sector announced for September will continue.
On Monday, protesters will picket the Health and Finance ministries demanding decent wages. (Jurnalul National)