Press Review - January 14, 2019

01.14.2019 By Oana Gavrila

Labor Minister Says State Budget Might Be Ready in February

Romania's 2019 state budget will be approved in February, labor minister Marius Budai said Sunday on cable news network Antena 3.

He said the payment of pensions and public sector wages is not endangered even if the drafting of the state budget is late.

The budget deficit for 2018 is expected to come in under 2.97% of GDP, finance minister Eugen Teodorovici said early January. Back in December, he said the country's gross domestic product is estimated at over RON1,000 billion for 2019 and the government sees economic growth at 5.5%, an overly optimistic figure according to analysts.

Iliescu Urges Politicians to Show Responsibility, Commitment in Presiding EU Council

Former president Ion Iliescu said in a blog post Romanian leaders must show responsibility and commitment in serving public interest during the country's stint at the EU Council rotating presidency.

The European Union cannot be a scapegoat for our own inabilities and failures, for some political leaders' lack of responsibility and their selfishness, Iliescu wrote.

He added the office of member of the European Parliament is not a reward for certain politicians or their clientele but a reward for exceptional political careers in the service of citizens and European nations.

PM Dancila To Present Romania's EU Council Presidency Priorities

Romanian prime minister Viorica Dancila will present Romania's priorities for the EU Council presidency in the European Parliament Tuesday.

The debate is set to start at 4 pm, Romania time. Earlier on Tuesday, at 11:30 am, MEPs will evaluate the achievements of the previous six-month EU Council presidency.

Blizzards Expected Throughout Half of Romania

Romania's weather administration has issued a yellow code warning for snow and blizzards valid until Monday evening in the west, northwest and center of Romania.

Snowfall is expected in mountain areas and winds of up to 70-80 km/h are expected at high altitudes. Wind is expected to pick up in the south, center, east and southeast of the country on Monday, reaching speeds of 45-55 km/h.