Two new bridges over the Danube
A memorandum was signed by Romania’s Deputy Prime Minister Liviu Dragnea and Bulgarian Transport Minister Nikolina Anghelova at the Victoria Palace in Bucharest on Tuesday. The document refers to research into the construction of two new bridges over the Danube at Turnu Măgurele – Nicopole and Călăraşi – Silistra. A wreking group is expected to establish technical and economic details next week. „It is a curcial document for southern Romania and northern Bulgaria and I was honoured to sign it”, Mr. Dragnea told reporters. Prime Minister Victor Ponta has also attended the signing ceremony. He said that joint infrastructure projects were a big step in the regional development of both southern Romania and northern Bulgaria. It was also an example of co-operation between two EU ad NATO countries, he added.
Galaţi CFR Infrastructure chief under arrest
The head of Romanian Railways’ Infrastructure Department in the eastern town of Galaţi was arrested on Tuesday. Local police and prosecutors with the country’s National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) arrested Laurenţiu Seceleanu at his home while police raids were also reported in the capital Bucharest and Galaţi early this morning. Similar searches were reported at several companies in the counties of Cluj, Ilfov and Galaţi. Investigation includes corruption-related cases between 2012 – 2014.
Timişoara City Hall under investigation
Searches were conducted by prosecutors with Romania’s National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) at the City Hall of the Romanian western town of Timişoara on Tuesday. Operation refers to several contracts signed by subordinates of Mayor Nicolae Robu. The investigation involves a land exchange between the City Hall and two private companies along with a contract refering to maintenance of green spaces. While denying any wrongdoing, Mr. Robu told reporters that such DNA operations were regular when complaints were raised on different issues and it was DNA duty to react. In a similar move last week, DNA prosecutors searched the City Hall for documents concerning the financing of Poli Timişoara Football Club.
Four guides designed to combat discrimination against Roma
Four guides designed to combat discrimination against Roma were launched in the capital Bucharest on Tuesday. Authors include a number of NGOs in Romania, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Georgiana Iorgulescu, chief executive at Romania’s Centre for Legal Resources, told reporters that police, lawyers, journalists and civil society should use the guides as they were social players who could have a say in changing opinions on Roma. According to reports, some 75 percent of the Roma who are discriminated fail to complaint as they fear consequences.
