Press Review - March 4, 2016

03.04.2016 By Gabriela Stan

Nearly 25% Of Romanians Would Vote For PSD At Parliamentary Elections

Nearly one quarter of Romanians (24%) would vote for the Social Democratic Party (PSD) at parliamentary elections, while 20% would vote for the National Liberal Party (PNL) and 34% are undecided.

According to an opinion poll conducted by the Institute for Social and Political Studies (ISSPOL) between February 1 and 5, the results are: PSD - 24%, PNL - 20%, ALDE - 2%, PMP - 2%, UDMR - 1%, 13% won’t vote and 34% are undecided.

The sociological analysis has established four types of profiles for the 2016 elector – the undecided elector, PSD sympathizer, PNL sympathizer and the apolitical elector, ISSPOL said in a statement. (Romania Libera)

UNPR President Gabriel Oprea Resigns

Gabriel Oprea, the president of the National Union for Romania’s Progress (UNPR), announced his resignation on Thursday.

Neculai Ontanu, mayor of Bucharest district 2 and secretary general of UNPR and of Bucharest organization, will be appointed as interim UNPR president.

Oprea sent a letter to the members of UNPR, saying that the party was often put to test in the six years of political activity and every time, they managed to overcome obstacles together, adding that, in his opinion, UNPR is currently facing a difficult but important moment for its future.

Former Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea is charged with abuse of office, after he used motorcades for personal interest during his mandate of minister. (Puterea)

Law On Debt Discharge To Trigger Tighter Lending Terms, Higher Costs

Romanians willing to buy a home in the future will have to deal with tighter lending terms and higher down payment if the law on debt discharge is passed by the Chamber of Deputies, which is the decisional chamber.

Sergiu Oprescu, president of the Romanian Banking Association, warned that lending terms will become tighter and costs will increase following the enactment of the debt discharge law, and those willing to take out a loan in the future have to know what caused the whole situation.

A few days ago, financial analyst Ilie Serbanescu also said that, if the law is enacted, the banks will “get revenge” by sharply increasing the down payment for loans so that people will no longer afford to take mortgage loans. (Puterea)

Gazprom Gets EUR2B Loan From Bank of China

Russian gas producer Gazprom on Thursday said it borrowed EUR2 billion from Bank of China for a five-year period, being the largest direct loan the company has ever raised from one lender, according to Reuters.

Chinese authorities have invested tens of billions of euros so far to help other states develop their natural gas resources that could be then exported to China.

In May 2014, Gazprom signed a $400 billion deal to supply 38 billion cubic meters of gas per year to China later this decade, but the project is facing certain problems, such as plunging commodity prices and China's cooling economy. (Adevarul)

Over 2,000 Doctors And 5,000 Nurses Could Go On Work-In Strike On March 23

Over 2,000 doctors and 5,000 nurses could go on a work-in strike on March 23, to show their discontentment towards the situation of the salaries in the healthcare sector.

“We decided to take attitude, as the talks with the Health Ministry representatives registered no results. We don’t have a unitary pay law by now and the promises that the salaries will increase by 25% in January are no longer in the governing program,” said Victor Esanu, head of the Romanian Federative Chamber of Physicians’ Trade Unions.

The representatives of physicians warned that the work-in strike will be followed by a warning strike in case it has no results.  (Adevarul)