Press Review - November 19, 2018

11.19.2018 By Oana Gavrila

Romania's Government Debt Inches Down in Jan-Aug

Romania's government debt inched down in the first eight months of the year, to 34.7% of the gross domestic product from 35.1% of GDP end-December 2017.

In nominal terms, public debt grew to RON310.86 billion at the end of August from RON301.158 billion at the end of December 2017, according to finance ministry data.

The bulk of the debt, namely RON302.397 billion, is medium and long-term debt and treasury bonds total RON252.39 billion.

Of total government debt, RON296.4 billion is the debt of the central administration, while RON14.46 billion is the debt of local administrations.

Over the past four years, Romania's public debt decreased constantly as share of GDP, from 39.2% of GDP in 2014, to 35.1% of GDP in 2017.

USR European Parliament Candidates Hold Final Debate

Over 50 of the 80 candidates wishing to run for the European Parliament on behalf of Romanian opposition party USR held a final debate Sunday in Brasov.

Party president Dan Barna said all parties in Romania should sign a national pact reconfirming Romania's allegiance to Euro-Atlantic values.

Among candidates at the debate were Cristian Ghinea, Radu Ghelmez, Laurentiu Dumitru, Alin Popovici, Clotilde Armand, Cristina Iurisniti.

USR will choose its EP candidates in an inner primary election that takes place between November 22 and November 29.

Yellow Code Warning for Snow, Rain, Strong Wind in Bucharest and 32 Counties

Romanian weather authorities issued a yellow code warning  Sunday afternoon for snow, rain and gusty wind for Bucharest and 32 counties.

Snow is expected as of Sunday night and precipitations will gradually turn into rain as Monday morning. Winds will gust at 40-50 km/h.

Minimum temperatures will hover around 0 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures will be around 2-4 degrees Celsius.