Stories from Bucharest · Romania

Romanian entrepreneur Cornel Surescu stated that political crisis and economic instability are concerning for local business owners. The country remains heavily dependent on imports for both consumer and industrial sectors. This dependency is exacerbating the impact of inflation. Surescu noted that national political instability is expected to further increase inflation rates. Entrepreneur Cornel Surescu stated that the country's heavy dependence on imports makes the industrial and consumer sectors particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures. The current political crisis is expected to exacerbate inflationary trends. Analysts suggest recent economic trends serve as a warning regarding the need for political stability and budget discipline in Romania. High inflation and an import-dependent economy are impacting the population through rising prices.

Prime Minister Iurie Boloșan called an executive meeting for 18:00 at Victoria Palace. Specialists suggest the economic context is overlapping with political uncertainty, increasing public concern.

Vice Premier Vana Gheorghii stated that a motion to be voted on Tuesday, May 5, in the Romanian Parliament is based on false information. Gheorghii claimed the documents cited in the motion were public exploratory lists of options rather than a definitive plan to sell strategic state companies. The Vice Premier argued the motion is a lie because all members had access to the documents. Senator Daniel Zamfir stated the government program lacks references to selling assets like Romgaz, Transgaz, or Hidroelectrica, though companies with five years of losses may face listing. A final vote is scheduled for Monday. Vice Premier Ona Gheorghiu addressed a motion of censure in the Romanian Parliament, stating the motion is based on a false narrative that the executive intends to sell state-owned companies.

Wholesale trade turnover in Romania decreased by 1.6 percent during the first two months of the year. This data was published by the National Institute of Statistics.

The Romanian Gymnastics Federation announced that athlete Maria Bărbosu is being targeted by a procedure from the international testing agency. Although a sanction has been proposed, the athlete has not been suspended. The news was reported by the Bulgarian news agency Novinite.

Dozens of home searches have been carried out across multiple counties in Romania as part of an ongoing economic crime investigation.

The European Commission is expected to support military acquisitions for Romania's defense apparatus. These funds are also intended to drive reindustrialization through investments in the domestic defense industry. The initiative aims to create jobs and establish major industrial hubs within Romania. This support follows concerns regarding security near a neighbor described as acting like a 19th-century colonial empire. Contracts under the SAFE program are expected to be managed soon. Two years ago, a Romanian experiment named DROP-CALL was launched aboard the International Space Station. Last month, a Romanian satellite called EMISAR, made entirely in Romania, was launched. This opens possibilities for the country to join international organizations and participate in international programs.

Romania is currently borrowing at interest rates of approximately 7%. In contrast, 10 billion euros from the SAFE program are available through European Union loans with rates around 2%.

The Romanian beer market fell by four percent in 2025 to a minimum of 14.4 million hectoliters. This represents the lowest level recorded in the last 20 years. The decline follows a 26.2 percent increase in beer excise taxes over the past 15 months. The excise tax on beer in Romania has increased by 26.2 percent over the last 15 months. Beer production reached a 20-year low of 14.4 million hectoliters in 2025. This decline follows the tax increases, according to the report. The Romanian beer market recorded its lowest level in two decades last year, according to the Romanian Brewers Association. While overall consumption has decreased, interest in flavored and non-alcoholic beers is reportedly increasing. The report was discussed by Hai Bucureșteanu.

Free drinking water stations have been installed at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and Cluj-Napoca International Airport. The installation follows a period of absence of such facilities at the airports. The news was reported during a morning broadcast.