Press Review - May 24, 2017

05.24.2017 By Oana Gavrila

Weaker Leu Helped Romanian Exporters

Although Romania's exports grew more than expected, the trade deficit will widen as domestic output is low and doesn't cover demand, said Mihai Ionescu, secretary general of the Romanian Importers and Exporters Association (ANEIR).

“Exports grew more than expected. The exchange rate favored exporters, who were able to cover some of their competitiveness losses, as a weaker leu meant higher salaries,” he said.

He added the country's trade deficit is still expected to widen as long as domestic output is unable to cover demand.

Romania posted a trade deficit of EUR2.31 billion in the first quarter, EUR361.5 million higher than in the first quarter of 2016. Imports grew 12.4% in January-March, to EUR17.77 billion, while exports grew at a lower rate, of 11.5%, totaling EUR15.46 billion.

Deputies Vote Next Week on Bejinariu Prosecution Request

The Chamber of Deputies will debate and vote next week on prosecutors' request to investigate social democrat lawmaker Eugen Bejinariu, said party secretary Ioana Bran.

The Chamber's committee for legal matters recommended a rejection of prosecution.

Bejinariu is accused of abuse of office in the Microsoft 2 case, during the period he was secretary general of the Cabinet led by Adrian Nastase.

Central Bank Adviser: Sustainable Economic Growth Impossible Without Unwanted Reforms

Adrian Vasilescu, adviser to the central bank governor, wrote in an opinion piece for Ziarul Financiar the solution to the country's well-being in the near future is economic efficiency, technical efficiency, and a strong work ethic.

Unless these three targets are met, albeit slowly, daily living for a critical mass of the population will not improve, Vasilescu said.

He said Romania must become a competitive market before attempting to join the eurozone.

Health Ministry Holds Debate on Making Vaccination Mandatory

The Health Ministry will organize a debate Friday at the National Institute for Public Health in view of drafting a vaccination law that would make vaccination mandatory.

The first public debate on a vaccination law took place on May 11 and sparked controversy between public health institutions and anti-vaxxers. 

Over 120,000 Local Administration Employees Protest Wednesday

Unions of local public administration employees announced more than 120,000 workers in town halls and local tax departments will cease work Wednesday, in protest to the public sector wage bill.

The bill no longer include a wage grid for local administration employees and leaves the decision power to local and county councils.

The bill was adopted in Senate Tuesday and will move on for debates and a vote to the Chamber of Deputies.