Local Democrat Liberal Officials In Dambovita County Shun Party President
Democratic Liberal Party president Vasile Blaga has met with protests inside his own party as democrat liberal mayors in Dambovita county left the room during their meeting.
Blaga met Tuesday in Targoviste with 46 mayors and deputy mayors in the county but the meeting was cut short when the local officials left in protest to removing Florin Popescu from the leadership of the party’s county branch. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Ruling Coalition MPs Have Mixed Opinions On Rosia Montana
Victor Ponta’s mixed feeling about the Rosia Montana gold mining project have transferred onto the parliamentary groups of the ruling Social Liberal Union.
Ponta has said that as prime minister he backs the project and the start of mining works but as member of parliament he would vote against it.
“According to what their conscience dictates”, social democrat and liberal MPs have split for the time being between supporters of the government’s bill and “MP” Ponta’s stance against it. (Gandul)
Economy Grew Faster Than Initially Thought In Second Quarter
The Romanian economy grew at a 1.5% annual rate in the second quarter, faster than initially estimated, revised data from the statistics institute INS showed.
The figures were revised up from a growth pace of 1.3% previously reported. Compared with the first quarter, the gross domestic product increased 0.5% in the April-June period, up from a quarterly rate of 0.3% initially estimated.
First-half growth was also slightly faster than previously thought. The new numbers show an annual increase of 1.8% in the first six months, from a growth rate of 1.7% announced earlier. (Adevarul)
Romania Reinstates Bucharest-Constanta Highway Toll
Authorities have reinstated the highway toll of RON13 per car on the highway linking Bucharest to Constanta.
The toll had been suspended during the summer season on weekends and public holidays to avoid traffic jams. (Gandul)
Over 70% Of Producers And 82% Of Traders Lowered Bread Prices Following VAT Decrease
Data analyzed in 36 counties show 71% of producers and 82% of traders have lowered bread prices with the decrease of the sales tax on bread from 24% to 9%, according to a government document drafted following check-ups by tax authorities.
The government lowered VAT on bread not targeting lower prices on bread and bakery products but in a bid to curb tax evasion in the sector. (Adevarul)
Metrorex Says Is Open To Negotiations On Collective Work Contract
The management of Bucharest subway operator Metrorex has said it is open to negotiations on employees’ collective work contract.
Bucharest public transport companies Metrorex and RATB have announced plans to go on a general strike later this month. (Gandul)
Government Starts Procedures To Buy Back Brancusi Artwork
The Romanian Government has started procedures to buy back sculptures by Constantin Brancusi from an art institute administered by the U.S. city of Detroit, which is facing insolvency.
The issue was discussed in the Cabinet meeting Tuesday.
After defaulting in July, the city of Detroit is considering selling several assets including artwork in its fine arts institute. (Evenimentul Zilei)