Protests Over Rosia Montana Gold Mine Plans Continue For Eighth Day
Protesters rallied in Bucharest Sunday for the eighth day in a row against the government’s plan to allow the opening of a massive open-cast gold mine in Rosia Montana, western Romania.
Thousands of people in Bucharest and other cities across the country have been protesting over the mining project in the past week after the government passed a bill allowing the start of operations. (Gandul)
Hundreds Of Protesters Urge Bucharest Mayor To Resign Over Stray Dogs Issue
Hundreds of people rallied Sunday in Bucharest calling on city mayor Sorin Oprescu to resign over the issue of killing stray dogs.
People are disgruntled that Oprescu wants to waste RON6 million on holding a referendum on whether thousands of stray dogs should be euthanized and simply ignores the law on euthanizing strays.
Last week, four-year-old boy Ionut Anghel was savaged by a pack of stray dogs as he played with his elder brother in a city center park.
According to animal welfare authorities, some 1,100 people were bitten by stray dogs in Bucharest in the first four months of 2013.
President Traian Basescu said “dogs should not be put above humans” as he asked the government to change the law, which currently allows only the killing of sick stray dogs. (Adevarul)
Romanians To Pay Higher Electricity Prices Starting July
Romanian household consumers will pay higher prices for electricity starting July due to the deregulation of the electricity market.
Regulated prices will be gradually replaced by competition-driven prices.
Romania’s deregulation strategy in the natural gas and electricity markets stipulates prices in the sectors are to be aligned to European levels by 2018. (Curentul)
Romania’s 2013 GDP Growth Forecast Revised Up To 2.5%
International analysts expect Romania’s economy to grow by 2.5% in 2013, but argue the country’s gross domestic product will be affected if politicians keep making pre-election promises.
Experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and The Economist expect Romania’s economy to stay on upward trend in upcoming years, but warned that populist measures might derail the country’s GDP growth, according to a report by analysts at The Economist. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Romanians Trust PM Ponta The Most
A recent CSOP survey shows 29% of Romanians trust Prime Minister Victor Ponta the most.
Ponta is followed by central bank governor Mugur Isarescu (27%), Bucharest mayor Sorin Oprescu (22%), liberal leader Crin Antonescu and President Traian Basescu (17% each). (Adevarul)