Press Review - June 9, 2015

06.09.2015 By Gabriela Stan

Klaus Iohannis Highlights Importance Of Strengthening Romania’s Strategic Credibility

President Klaus Iohannis, has stressed, during the talks with the representatives of political parties, the obligation of strengthening Romania’s strategic credibility, given the new challenges and security risks at regional and international level.

The Presidential Administration issued a press release on Monday evening, after the consultations between the President and the leaders of political parties related to the National Defense Strategy.

According to the press release, Iohannis “stressed that the National Defense Strategy is addressed to citizens, to the entire society and to state institutions and that we need to restore the rigor, transparency and fairness in the normative framework related to national security ". (Adevarul)

Alina Gorghiu: PM’s Resignation, Very Important For Romania’s Image

PNL co-chair Alina Gorghiu stated that the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta is very important for the image of Romania abroad, expressing her optimism related to the censure motion.

Gorghiu added that the prompt intervention of President Klaus Iohannis was welcomed and that Victor Ponta will "soon" have leave the political stage. PNL co-chair stated that the request for the resignation of the Prime Minister was a normal action, in accordance with the rule of law. (Evenimentul Zilei)

Price Of Natural Gas For Household Consumers, Water And Fines To Increase In July

The price of natural gas will increase next month, as well as the fines, but the minimum wage will also increase to RON1,050 as of July 1.

While June came with the cut of the value-added tax for food products, in July, the price of natural gas for household consumers will increase from RON53/ MWh to RON60/MWh, or between 8.9% and 10%, according to sources close to the energy regulator ANRE. The gas price increase will also trigger a higher price for hot water and heating. (Evenimentul Zilei)

Romanian Economy Up 2.8%, Household Income Down 2.4% In 2014

Last year, when Romania registered an economic growth of 2.8%, household incomes fell 2.4%, to a monthly average of RON2,500, from RON2,559 in 2013.

According to the National Statistics Institute (INS), expenses also fell to RON2,269/month in 2014, from RON2,317/month a year before. Central bank governor Mugur Isaresc has recently stated that there is a long way between economic growth and household incomes.  (Adevarul)

Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary On Top Of EU States By Fraud With EU Funds

One third of corruption cases involving EU funds were reported in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, according to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

Romania even ranks first in the classification, followed by Hungary and Bulgaria. According to OLAF, the three countries also register a low level of damage recovery in this respect. Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary are usually on the last positions in EU classifications in certain sectors. (Curierul National)