Press Review - June 19, 2018

06.19.2018 By Oana Gavrila

Romanian Leu Falls to 5-Month Low to the Euro

The Romanian currency depreciated against the euro Monday and the exchange rate stood at RON4.6662 to the euro, the highest level since January 25 and close to all-time low, central bank data showed.

On Friday, the reference exchange rate was RON4.6618/EUR.

Romgaz Expects Natural Gas Prices to Rise This Winter

Natural gas will be more expensive this upcoming winter season due to increased oil prices, Romgaz energy sales director Vasile Ciolpan said Monday.

"Judging by the evolution of oil prices, gas will be more expensive in winter. We will provide gas from the current domestic production, from storage and from imports during peak consumption periods,” said Ciolpan at an energy conference held by Capital magazine.

At the end of May, Frank Hajdinjak, general manager of E.ON Romania, said natural gas prices in Romania, both for domestic and imported gas, would grow significantly this winter season due to rising oil prices.

Energy minister Anton Anton, on the other hand, said two weeks ago prices would not rise, but did not give any explanation.

Romanian Parliament Passes Changes to Criminal Procedure Code

Romania’s Chamber of Deputies approved amendments to the country’s criminal procedure code late on Monday. The bill passed with 175 votes in favor, 78 against, and one abstention.

The lower house is the deciding forum on the bill, which will be further sent to President Klaus Iohannis for promulgation. The Senate adopted the bill last week.

Changes to the criminal procedure code are seen to weaken prosecutors' powers to investigate high-level corruption cases.

Under the bill, courts of appeals overturn acquittal verdicts given by the first unless there is new evidence and definitive rulings may be reviewed if the judge who took part in the settlement of the cause didn’t sign the sentencing decision. Wire tapping that is not connected with the criminal deed by a person under investigation will no longer be taken into account.

Opposition Submits No-Confidence Motion against Govt on June 20

Liberal Party leader Ludovic Orban said the opposition would file a no-confidence motion against the social-democrat government on June 20.

He said lawmakers who will vote against the motion are Liviu Dragnea's “lackeys”. Orban declined to say how many lawmakers signed the motion.

The motion requires the votes of half plus one of the number of lawmakers and the ruling coalition holds a comfortable majority in Parliament.