Press Review - May 10, 2017

05.10.2017 By Oana Gavrila

PM Seeks to Reduce Tensions on Parental Benefits Cap

Prime minister Sorin Grindeanu said a cap on child rearing benefits is considered among other measures in the convergence plan and no decision has yet been made.

“We're talking about a convergence plan. It doesn't say this is what we'll do, there will be a consultation and capping parental benefits is an option. A decision has not been made, so let's reduce the tensions regarding this matter,” said Grindeanu.

In the 2017-2020 convergence program it adopted last week, the government lists raising excise duties on cigarettes, freezing high pensions and capping child rearing benefits.

Predoiu Pulls Out of Race for Liberal Party Leadership

Liberal Party first vice-president Catalin Predoiu announced Tuesday on Facebook he is pulling out of the race for party president, saying his projects for the party don't coincide with local party leaders' views.

He said his withdrawal from the race is the fairest gesture for the party.

Romania Average Net Salary Grows 4.7% in March

The net average salary in Romania grew 4.7% in March compared with February, to RON2,342, data from the country's statistics board showed Tuesday.

The gross average salary in March stood at RON3,256, 4.8% higher than in February.

The best paid employees in March were those in the IT&C and related services sector, making a net average of RON5,880 a month, while the lowest paid employees were in the hotel and restaurant business, with an average RON1,369 a month.

Compared with March 2016, the average net wage in Romania grew 14.2% in nominal terms and 14% in real terms.

Justice Minister Presents Amendments to Criminal, Civil Codes Next Week

Justice minister Tudorel Toader said he will present proposed amendments to the criminal and civil codes to the government next week for approval.

He added that amended laws on the statute of judges and prosecutors, on judicial organization, and on the High Council of Magistrates will likely be presented in two weeks.

The minister also said he was confident a solution would be found to deal with the country's overcrowded penitentiary system.

PM Says Referendum on Redefining Marriage Is the Right Way To Go

Prime minister Sorin Grindeanu said Tuesday holding a referendum on redefining family in the Constitution is “the right way”, adding he is among those citizens who signed a petition to redefine marriage as between a man and a woman.

“The Romanian people will vote to decide which way to go. I am among the three million Romanians who signed in favor of this change in the Constitution. Romanians will decide. I think it's the right way,” said Grindeanu.

The Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday adopted a people's initiative signed by three million citizens to redefine the notion of family in the Constitution to state it is based on the marriage between a man and a woman.

The Constitution currently defines family as the free-willed marriage “between spouses”. The Senate must also vote on the initiative before a referendum can be called.