Press Review - November 7, 2018

11.07.2018 By Oana Gavrila

Leu Loses Ground Vs Euro

The Romanian leu lost ground against the euro on Tuesday, standing at 4.6640 units to the euro at midday, 0.02% lower compared with Monday's reference rate.

On Monday, the leu stood at 4.6612 units to the euro.

The leu firmed against the US dollar,  standing at  4.0905 units to the dollar Tuesday from 4.0952 units Monday.

EU Funds Minister Says Regional Hospitals Could Cost Less

Romanian EU funds minister Rovana Plumb said there are types of regional hospitals that could cost less and could be built via public-private partnerships, without ignoring EU funding.

“The cost of a regional hospital, for instance in Iasi, reached EUR530 million. There are models for hospitals that cost less, which can be built via public-private partnerships. This doesn't mean we're not using European funds,” said Plumb.

Toader Says He Won't Overstep Attributions In Revoking General Prosecutor

Justice minister Tudorel Toader said Tuesday he would not be overstepping his attributions in seeking the dismissal of prosecutor general Augustin Lazar, after President Iohannis deemed the move “inappropriate”.

Iohannis said the justice minister's request to have the general prosecutor dismissed is wrong from a political standpoint and criminals are seeking to weaken the judiciary.

“I will observe my attributions,” said Toader in response.

Bucharest City Hall Says Heating prices Won't Rise

Bucharest City Hall announced Tuesday heating prices will remain unchanged.

On Monday, state-run electricity and thermal power producer Electrocentrale Bucuresti (ELCEN), insolvent since October 2016, requested the energy regulator's approval for a production price hike by 10%.

The city hall said the prices change will not affect consumers.