Prime Minister attends debate on poverty tackling
The national minimum wage is going to reach 1200 Ron this year with a first rise to 1050 Ron starting July 2015, Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced today during a debate on poverty tackling where he expressed several opinions on the matter. Poverty is one of the main causes for corruption, according to the PM, who added that social disparities can be reduced only on a successful economic background and Romania must succeed in turning economic growth into a better social balance. The chief of the Cabinet said that a higher number of contributors would be the only sustainable longterm solution for a strong social system as Romania’s current weak taxation implies lower quality of social services.
Romanian Police presented its yearly activity report for 2014
Chief Prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) Laura Codruţa Kovesi has pointed out today at the Romanian Police yearly activity report meeting that this institution and the Public Ministry both need common priorities in what criminal policies are concerned for an enhanced efficiency and added that police corruption must disappear. She announced that in 2014 the number of policemen in management positions investigated by the DNA has risen.
National crime rate has dropped for the third year in a row and has reached the lowest numbers over the last six years, according to the report. Robbery cases have also been decreasing to a 11-year low. Theft is the main crime on records in Romania, but the number of cases has also gone down against 2013.
Coface maintains B country-risk-assessment grade for Romania
Coface credit management services company has maintained the B country-risk-assessment grade for Romania which reflects an unstable economic and political environment likely to go on affecting the already poor payment history. The macroeconomical report on Romania shows that our country remains vulnerable due to its structural internal and external imbalances and to the high demand of financing in its economy caused by insufficient internal savings. At the same time, the banking system is still affected by a high level of nonperforming loans.
Report on healthcare system presented by professional alliance
The healthcare system in Romania has registered significant progress over the last 15 years, since it started operating in the current formula with health services reaching superior parameters and data infrastructure acquiring a reference level in Europe – according to a report presented today by the Healthcare Alliance which reunites organisations of the targeted categories in the system: patients, doctors or healthcare service providers. The positive aspects are however counterbalanced by the lingering problems in the system like insufficient funds or faulty access to medical services.
The alliance has suggested to the Health Ministry that a 10-year strategy is needed to set the course of action clear. Another request formulated by the organisation is that authorities take action to attract doctors to work in rural areas where the access to medical services is deficient. Minister Nicolae Bănicioiu has announced that he is going to introduce a draft bill on this matter in the next few days.
Eight persons taken into custody in counterfeit drugs file
Eight persons have been taken into custody last night in a case concerning counterfeit drugs which have reached the market in several pharmacies around the country. 20 companies accused of tax avoidance and money laundering are now under investigation in this file. Experts say the drugs are not harmful to the body but they don’t even contain the active substance supposed to help the patients. The drugs were used to treat cancer, hepatitis and diabetes and the total damage is estimated at 3 million euros.
Romanian automotive market up by 21 percent against 2013
The Romanian automotive market has gone up by 21 percent against 2013. Car and commercial vehicle sales have reached 100.000 units but they still couldn’t come near the record of 360.000 units registered in 2007, according to statistical data presented today by the Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association. Three quarters of the sales have been accounted for by companies whilst individuals have purchased cars depending on the evolution of the national car park renewal program. The car scrapping program is now active for 10 years and led to the replacement of more and more old, polluting cars each year.
First Film Festival in Romania dedicated to the Holocaust
The first film festival in Romania dedicated to the Holocaust is coming to an end today. The Romanian Peasant Museum in Bucharest has scheduled three projections with strong historical and emotional load: a documentary called „The Black Sunday” about the 1941 Iassy pogrom and two movies: „The Diary of Anne Frank” and „Wallenberg”. The festival has been organized by the Elie Wiesel Institute and the US Embassy to Bucharest to mark the International Holocaust Victims Remembrance Day on January 27th.
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