THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS
TUESDAY, APRIL 10
Religious Easter Turned Into Technological Parade
Religion tries to keep up with advanced technology but loses the fight for the hearts and soul of believers who are “seduced” by the equipments rather than the religious service . Ester means a raid through the supermarkets for most people. The victory of a consumers festivity instead of a religious one is not a new phenomenon but its proportions grows constantly year by year. However, Romanians still had the Resurrection mass .
This year’s religious festivities were marked by technology. People were more interested in filming the religious service and taking pictures than taking part in mass itself.
On the other side, priest were more interested in sound technology that would get their words to the people than of their service .
President's Dismissal Delayed For Next Week
The negative answer from the Constitution Court will not reach the Parliament this week.
The legislatives’ vote will be delayed for April 16-20. President Traian Basescu’s dismissal will not take place this week because the Parliament did not receive the Constitution Court’s answer yet .
According to Parliamentary sources, the Court’s answer will only reach the MPs in the middle of next week when a common session of the two Chambers will be convoked with the purpose of dealing with the issue.
The two Chamber’s leaders were supposed to meet today to discuss the Court’s answer.
Judges from the Constitution Court ruled against the President’s dismissal last week saying that it is unjustified by any breach of the Constitution.
The Court’s answer has only consultative character but the Parliament cannot discuss the issue it if it does not have it in writing within the pages of the Official Gazette.
WEDNESDAY, APR 11
Government To Form Finance-Energy -Resources Minister
The mammoth ministry coordinating Romania’s finances, energy and natural resources will be formed in 60 days. Two months will pass until the new minister f Economy and Finances will function after joining the two ministers: economy and Trade with Public Finances .
In the meantime secretaries of state within the two ministries and the departments will stay in the current form.
The new institution will have two ministers “who choose to work together” , as economy minister Varujan Vozganian put it , referring to Sebastian Vladescu, former finance minister sand future state secretary within the newly - established minister.
Romania Registers Lowest Inflation Since 1989
According to the National Institute of Statistics or INS, Romania registered a level of inflation of 3.66% in March, the lowest level registered 1989. The previous minimum average was registered in February -3,81%.
The phenomenon was caused by a price drop in food products, prescription drugs and audio-video equipments.
THURSDAY, APR 12
Romanian "Free Europe" Communist Critic Admits Talking To Securitate Agents
Neculai Munteanu admitted to have talked with Securitate agents during the 70s because of fear of being arrested for being gay. A recent double confession made by famous journalist ziarist Neculai C. Munteanu amazed the Romanian press.
”Yes I was involved with Securitate. Would there be anything else. Ah, yes, I am gay”, the most fervent Communist critic and commentator of Romanian press at “Radio Free Europe, said.
His Securitate file was found by CNSAS and shows he was enlisted without even knowing it.
In the 70s he was asked to give information on his colleagues’ activities. However his “three year activity” within the system produced only three good characterization of famous TV man Tudor Vornicu and a comment on the “state of mind within Romanian press”
The journalist will launch a book soon on his experiences with the Communist regime called “Ultimii sapte ani de acasa”, at “Curtea Veche” printing house.
Tariceanu: "Don't let me catch you stealing!"
PM Calin Popescu-Tariceanu Tariceanu warned his colleagues to behave now that they are left alone, without PD to watch over their actions. Tariceanu warned his colleagues within PNLs Standing Delegation against shady dealings or steal public money now that they rule only with UDMR by their side.
“We rule alone now that does not mean that we can do whatever we want. I was more content when there were more parties in the Government and we looked at each other to check if anyone is doing anything wrong. I will not tolerate any wrongdoings”, the PM told PNL delegates.
Tariceanu tried to leave the impression that excluding PD from the Government is not such a great loss. He admitted to receiving the resignations of PD deputy ministers and that he would approve them .
FRIDAY, APR 13
Romania's President Threatens To Resign
Romania’s President, Traian Basescu wants to resign following Parliament suspension.
The President wants to push for early elections as he was quoted yeaterday by Realitatea TV station and Cotidianul newspaper. According to the quoted sources, Basescu will resign if the Parliament decides to suspend him from office. The Romanian president wants to push for organizing early elections at the same time with the referendum of his dismissal.
“Romania’s president faces suspension despite the Constitution Court’s negative answer. Suspending the President is an unmotivated action. Under these conditions, the referendum for my dismissal is only a match between me and the Parliament and I think that the Parliament as an institution must be protected. After the vote on my dismissal they must face the electorate. Only my resignation could achieve that (…) After all, the President is the one who issues the decree on uninominal vote that could be organized at the same time with the referendum on my dismissal”.
Romanian Media Mogul Sells Local Playboy Edition
Greek company Attica Media will purchase Adrian Sarbu’s shares with PBR Publishing, care editeaza revista. Magazines like “Playboy” and “Maxim” will no longer belong to Publimedia. The Greek company Attica Media Mondadori, an associate of Adrian Sarbu within PBR Publishing will now own them entirely.
Maria Apostol, PR director for Sarbu’s MediaPro, confirmed for EVZ that the deal is on : “We are in talks with Attica, to sell PBR. I cannot give you any more information right now”.
Still, according to EVZ, Adrian Sarbu and Attica already reached a settlement.