Stories from Romania

The head of the Romanian Authority for Digitalization has been replaced by Vice-Premier Anca Giorgiu and the Minister of Economy. Economy Minister Ireneu Darău has been dismissed from his position. Darău cited disastrous financial management and the launch of digital platforms with major errors that are difficult to use. He also noted insubordination and a lack of transparency within the institution. The minister stated that the digitalization of the administration has stalled in recent years, impacting daily public services. The dismissal was signed by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan following a proposal from the Minister of Economy. The Minister accused Vlad of defective management, citing frequent freezes of platforms such as Plecum, Ghișeul, Punctro, and SEAP. The Minister also alleged that certain acquisitions were made without respecting the law.

Free parking for hybrid and electric vehicles is being eliminated in Bucharest starting today. The measure follows a decision made last month by the General Council of the Capital. The change was proposed by General Mayor Ciprian Ciuculescu. There are currently 45,000 paid parking spaces under the administration of the general mayoralty and 90,000 hybrid and electric vehicles that previously benefited from free parking. The free parking facility will now be reserved exclusively for 100% electric vehicles registered in Bucharest until the end of 2027. Authorities stated the change is due to the number of registered vehicles exceeding the total number of available parking spaces. Electric vehicle owners must register with the Parking Operator to continue receiving free parking. The policy, which had been in place since 2016, no longer applies to these drivers.

PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu has excluded the possibility of supporting a minority government. Grindeanu stated to Antena 3 that the Social Democratic Party is not considering backing a minority executive. The PSD currently holds a number of seats in Parliament.

Minister Oana Tsoiu announced intentions to declassify a series of documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs archives prepared until December 1989. Environment Minister Diana Buzoeanu announced major investments in hydrological infrastructure and environmental protection projects. The projects target critical zones ranging from the coast to central Moldova. Priorities include consolidating the Tuzla and Alacului cliffs and protecting over 7,000 people living on the Borcea branch. The documents cover the period from January 1990 to December 31, 1992. Included in the files are records regarding the May 1990 elections, King Michael's visits, and correspondence with the USSR. These records are expected to provide information regarding the early years following the December 1989 revolution.

The National Airports Company Bucharest has launched a tender for the construction of a new four-level long-term passenger parking facility. The project is estimated to cost approximately 63 million lei. The facility is intended to modernize the airport infrastructure in the capital. The national company, Aeroporturile București, is accelerating the tender process for airport parking. Compania Națională a Aeroporturilor București is accelerating its parking tender process. The infrastructure will provide 795 long-term parking spaces for passengers. The facility will be located on airport grounds near the CFR Airport station.

Senator Victoria Stoiciul stated after resigning from the PSD that many Social Democrats are hesitant to support a no-confidence motion alongside George Simion's party. Stoiciul claimed some colleagues suggested feigning illness to avoid the decision.

A judge from the Constitutional Tribunal is facing delays in receiving salary payments. The discussion noted that under Law 1-2013, certain staff may receive performance-based increments.

The Romanian government will provide 2 billion lei to local authorities to cover budget deficits and ensure project completion by August 6. These ordinances will establish a financing mechanism for immediate payments to beneficiaries. Additionally, 2 billion lei will be made available to allow local authorities to co-finance specific project expenses. These measures aim to address projects that must be completed by the end of August. Prime Minister Lilii Ebolejan announced that the Ministry of Finance will provide 2 billion lei to facilitate direct payments for accelerating European projects. This measure aims to simplify payments and support mayors facing supplementary costs not covered by European funds. The announcement follows dissatisfaction within the PSD regarding previous funding cuts to local authorities.

Minister Mihai Dimian published a ministerial order regarding a list of 32 new subjects to be implemented in Romanian schools. The order was released to establish the curriculum for the upcoming period. The changes will fundamentally alter both high school framework plans and general school curricula. These updates are described as being immediately prepared to meet demands for curriculum changes. This new curriculum enables educational units to propose new disciplines while maintaining competency levels equal to those following the standard framework plan. The new disciplines will be integrated alongside existing framework plans. Educational units may propose specific schedules for these different disciplines, according to the report. The new framework and curricula aim to replace existing programs that have been in place for approximately 17 years.

A laboratory assistant has set a record number of blood donations in Turgumure.