Press Review - June 11, 2015

06.11.2015 By Gabriela Stan

Alina Gorghiu: PNL Demands Early Elections  

PNL co-chair Alina Gorghiu announced that PNL National Political Bureau adopted a resolution proposing early elections for a reset of the political stage.

On the other hand, the censure motion that will be debated and voted on Friday is unlikely to be successful, according to PNL co-chair Vasile Blaga.

"Starting from the premise that Romania is swamping these days in the biggest political crisis in the last 25 years, and considering that we not only have an inefficient Government, unable to make decisions necessary for a good governance, but also a Government with major problems, led by a Prime Minister suspected of corruption by DNA, we consider that the only reasonable solution is the PM’s resignation, and obviously the resignation of the entire Cabinet, as it faces a major credibility crisis," Gorghiu said.

Government Might OK Gas Price Hike For Household Consumers

The Romanian government might approve Wednesday the increase of the price for local natural gas for household consumers to RON60/MWh, Energy Minister Andrei Gerea stated.

Government agreed with European Commission on a new deregulation calendar for household consumers, which stipulates annual price hikes instead of quarterly price increases, by RON6 per MWh.

According to the new deregulation calendar, gas prices for household consumers will rise from RON53MW/h to RON60MW/h in July 2015, to RON66 in 2016, to RON72 in 2017, and to RON78MW/h in 2018.

 Romania agreed with the European Commission and the IMF to deregulate its gas and electricity markets. The gas market was deregulated for companies in January 2014 and only household consumers currently pay regulated prices. (Puterea)

Justice Minister Robert Cazanciuc Moves From PSD To UNPR

The Romanian Justice Minister Robert Cazanciuc will move from PSD to UNPR, thus the party will get another portfolio in the government led by PM Victor Ponta.

None of the leaders of the two parties confirmed the information but the PM told Cazanciuc, at the beginning of the government session, that he is “even more efficient” since he has been under the coordination of UNPR president, deputy PM Gabriel Oprea.

Asked about his replacement, Robert Cazanciuc stated that he believes he did his job, but he is “ready to go” if necessary. In the PSD meeting held on Monday, social-democrat leaders asked for Cazanciuc’s resignation. (Evenimentul Zilei)

Romania To Wipe-Off Debts Of Cantacuzino Institute

Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced Wednesday in the government session that Romania will wipe off all the debts of Cantacuzino Institute, which barely manages to survive at the moment.

The institute started to face decline since February 2010, after the National Medicine Agency withdrew its authorization to sell vaccines, as certain authorizations were expired.

 “We have the ordinance draft granting a state aid to Cantacuzino National Institute of Research-Development for Microbiology and Immunology. So, firstly, we have to write off all its debts and start from a T0 moment. It’s important we have a plan to avoid new debts, so that the institute should become operational and fulfill its national and strategic role (…). The important part is the debt write-off," the PM stated. (Adevarul)

VAT On Draft Beer Cut To 9%

The value-added tax for draft beer will be cut to 9%, based on an amendment approved Wednesday by the deputies to the ordinance on cutting VAT for food items.

The amendment was proposed by deputy Adrian Merka and taken over by the budget committee. The measure is aimed at increasing draft beer sales, which might trigger more revenues collected to the state budget and the creating of more new jobs. (Romania Libera)