Press Review - December 4, 2017

12.04.2017 By Oana Gavrila

Ruling Party Set to Organize Its Own Protests in Bucharest, Major Cities

Romania's ruling Social Democratic Party plan to organize protests in Bucharest and other cities next weekend against what they call "the parallel state", a phrase referring to the justice system and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said party spokesman Codrin Stefanescu.

The party, whose leader is convicted of vote rigging and faces a third trial of corruption, is currently working to overhaul the justice system in a bid to trim its independence.

The move attracted ample criticism from the country's president, judiciary, the EU, the US and sparked ample protests in the capital and other cities.

Romania Risks Infringement As of Dec 4 For Failing to Apply EU Directives

Romania on October 4 was targeted by five EU decisions and risks infringement as of December 4 for failing to comply with several EU directives.

Romania has received letters of formal notice and reasoned opinions from the European Commission for failing to analyze telecom markets susceptible to EU regulation every three years, failing to complete the enactment of EU waste legislation to eliminate lightweight plastic carrier bags, failing to communicate measures to reduce emissions from petrol vapor according to EU rules on air quality, failing to adopt noise maps and action plans on environmental noise, and failing to fully transpose EU rules on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure.

Firewood Prices Soar, Furniture Industry Declines

Owners and administrators of forests and environmental organizations warned Sunday firewood prices have grown excessive and the furniture industry has entered a steep decline.

They said it is the second year running when a legislative blockage has led to a lack of wood resources, which hiked prices of firewood and hampered production in the furniture manufacturing industry.

Romania's furniture exports declined for the first time since 2009-2010 on lack of wood resources, higher prices compared with the European market and a labor shortage.