The National Day of Romania was celebrated, besides the traditional way, with the inauguration of the biggest Christmas tree in Europe on the evening of December 1. The tree is decorated with some 2,300,000 lights in Unirii’s Square. The evening was market by music shows and fireworks by the tree.
The lighting of the tree was preceded by a series of manifestations dedicated to the National Day. Hundreds of citizens gathered in Universitatii Square starting with 6 pm to enjoy the Romanian folklore music show organized by the City Hall. Later in the evening, Christmas decorations were lighted throughout the capital city streets.
Decorations this year are more modest than the ones in previous years. Bucharest’s deputy mayor Razvan Murgeanu said that the electricity poles are too old and are not able to support more decorations.
Source: HotNews
Monday, December 03, 2007
What the newspapers say: December 3, 2007
One newspaper on Monday reads that Romanian civil society organizations are waste money on seminars rather than implemented action oriented projects to help the Gypsy community. Another newspaper reports that Social Democratic opposition leader Mircea Geoana has opened talks with Liberal PM Tariceanu for a possible governing alliance. Elsewhere in the newspapers, the Liberal government builds up social houses to honor their ministers, magistrates or police officers.
Romania Libera reads about the hundreds of Romanian civil society organizations that claim to be fighting for bettering the conditions of the Gypsy community. However, the money is used to organize seminars and lectures rather than for the implementation of projects targetting their problems.
The newspaper argues that the programs reach only those Gypsies who can do without the organizations helping them. Half of the gypsies in Romania do not have a shelter, access to education or better prospects for the future.
However, there are some professional skills courses that teach Gypsies a profession. The paper reads about the ‘Amare Rromentza’ association that organizes such courses. From a total of 150 gypsies registered at a course, only 84 graduated and 5 got hired doing what they were trained to do.
Association director Neacsu Mihai argues that there are some 200 organizations that claim to help the Gypsy community. Even the government designated authority to deal with the Rroma community spent some 3 million Romanian Ron on seminars, courses or strategies.
Elsewhere in the newspapers, Gandul reads that Social Democrat leader, Mircea Geoana has initiated talks with Romanian Liberal PM Tariceanu regarding a possible alliance.
The paper argues that Geoana was summoned by his party members to push their party into the government by December 3. As Tariceanu failed to offer seats to the Social Democrats, the Opposition party can opt for a tougher stand or a softer one against the government.
Social Democratic members favor a parliamentary protocol with the Liberals, as they wish for a long term collaboration.
More in the news today, Cotidianul reads about several magistrates, policemen and ministers who are about to receive social houses in Bucharest that should be built for the needy.
Cotidianul published the list of people that will benefit from the social project. Among those, are high officials who hold offices in the current Liberal government, or other important names such as former police General Nicolae Avramescu.
Romania Libera reads about the hundreds of Romanian civil society organizations that claim to be fighting for bettering the conditions of the Gypsy community. However, the money is used to organize seminars and lectures rather than for the implementation of projects targetting their problems.
The newspaper argues that the programs reach only those Gypsies who can do without the organizations helping them. Half of the gypsies in Romania do not have a shelter, access to education or better prospects for the future.
However, there are some professional skills courses that teach Gypsies a profession. The paper reads about the ‘Amare Rromentza’ association that organizes such courses. From a total of 150 gypsies registered at a course, only 84 graduated and 5 got hired doing what they were trained to do.
Association director Neacsu Mihai argues that there are some 200 organizations that claim to help the Gypsy community. Even the government designated authority to deal with the Rroma community spent some 3 million Romanian Ron on seminars, courses or strategies.
Elsewhere in the newspapers, Gandul reads that Social Democrat leader, Mircea Geoana has initiated talks with Romanian Liberal PM Tariceanu regarding a possible alliance.
The paper argues that Geoana was summoned by his party members to push their party into the government by December 3. As Tariceanu failed to offer seats to the Social Democrats, the Opposition party can opt for a tougher stand or a softer one against the government.
Social Democratic members favor a parliamentary protocol with the Liberals, as they wish for a long term collaboration.
More in the news today, Cotidianul reads about several magistrates, policemen and ministers who are about to receive social houses in Bucharest that should be built for the needy.
Cotidianul published the list of people that will benefit from the social project. Among those, are high officials who hold offices in the current Liberal government, or other important names such as former police General Nicolae Avramescu.
1990 miners crusade leader Miron Cozma set free after ten years
The man who led Romanian miners in a violent march to Bucharest in 1990 and then again throughout the nineties, Miron Cozma was set free after ten years of imprisonment. Cozma said that he was convicted because he was the one to lead what is commonly known as the miners crusades and had the courage to confront corrupt politicians.
The so-called crusades were called to suppress the opposition protesters in the 1990, while in 1991 led to a change of the government.
Cozma's lawyer, Adrian Roseti declared that the interdiction imposed on his client to enter Bucharest and Petrosani – the main places where the five revolts were set up – needs to be revoked as it is an infringement to his rights.
The international news agencies transmitted information about Cozma and his history. AFP was the first to talk about his release giving details and background information.
Aged 55, Cozma was imprisoned in February 1999 after a march of the miners to Bucharest. He was first convicted at 18 years of prison for the violent actions in September 1991 who lead to three deaths and the fall of the government. Even though in December 2003 he was given another 17 years of serving time, he received, along the years several time reductions.
In December 2004, former Romanian President, Ion Iliescu pardoned him with another 45 convicts. However, the measure stirred up serious criticism and was revoked a several days later.
The Miners Victims Association contested Cozma's release considering that Romania's judiciary system is corrupt and politically biased.
Association representatives qualify Cozma as terrorist, Romanian news agency NewsIn informs.
Source: HotNews
The so-called crusades were called to suppress the opposition protesters in the 1990, while in 1991 led to a change of the government.
Cozma's lawyer, Adrian Roseti declared that the interdiction imposed on his client to enter Bucharest and Petrosani – the main places where the five revolts were set up – needs to be revoked as it is an infringement to his rights.
The international news agencies transmitted information about Cozma and his history. AFP was the first to talk about his release giving details and background information.
Aged 55, Cozma was imprisoned in February 1999 after a march of the miners to Bucharest. He was first convicted at 18 years of prison for the violent actions in September 1991 who lead to three deaths and the fall of the government. Even though in December 2003 he was given another 17 years of serving time, he received, along the years several time reductions.
In December 2004, former Romanian President, Ion Iliescu pardoned him with another 45 convicts. However, the measure stirred up serious criticism and was revoked a several days later.
The Miners Victims Association contested Cozma's release considering that Romania's judiciary system is corrupt and politically biased.
Association representatives qualify Cozma as terrorist, Romanian news agency NewsIn informs.
Source: HotNews
Romanian film director Cristian Mungiu awarded with the European Oscar equivalent in Berlin
The movie 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days by Romanian film director Cristian Mungiu received the European Film Academy award in Berlin on Saturday night. It is the first time that the European version of the American Oscar goes to a Romanian director for the first time.
The movie competed against The Queen by Stephen Fears, which won the best European actrice and best music award.
The award confirms those already received by Mungiu this year - Palme D’Or or the Stockholm Film Festival top award.
Mungiu told the Romanian public radio that the awards acknowledge the existence of an independent European film industry even if it comes from the East. He added that a director does not necessarily need lots of funds if his story is listened to.
Talking about his film representing Romania in the run-up to the Oscars, Mungiu said he was skeptical about an award there as his movie does not fit the American tastes. He said he enjoyed the European recognition enough.
Source: HotNews
The movie competed against The Queen by Stephen Fears, which won the best European actrice and best music award.
The award confirms those already received by Mungiu this year - Palme D’Or or the Stockholm Film Festival top award.
Mungiu told the Romanian public radio that the awards acknowledge the existence of an independent European film industry even if it comes from the East. He added that a director does not necessarily need lots of funds if his story is listened to.
Talking about his film representing Romania in the run-up to the Oscars, Mungiu said he was skeptical about an award there as his movie does not fit the American tastes. He said he enjoyed the European recognition enough.
Source: HotNews
President Basescu on November 25 referendum: A major failure
In an interview offered to Hotnews.ro and BBC, Romania president Traian Basescu assumes the low turnout at the referendum on November 25, but mentions that the Democrat Party (his main supporter) has also a share of the blame, due to its total lack of involvement in the electoral campaign. Starting with a calm voice, the president turns to a nervous speech when it comes to the Foreign Minister, Adrian Cioroianu or the Social-Democrat (PSD) opposition leader, Mircea Geoana. The Foreign Minister, Basescu says, "has a huge education deficit", as for Geoana - "I will never name him prime-minister as long as I am president". One of the most surprising statements comes when he talks about the referendum on the uninominal vote, Basescu declaring that a possibility exists for the Democrat Party to support the PSD uninominal vote project, submitted in 2005 in the Parliament.
Asked about the way he described the illegal workers in Spain as "a time bomb", president Traian Basescu has once again introduced his theory about the labor market restrictions: "Restricting the official, recorded work generates black market labor, generates insecurity for the citizens accepted in unregistered jobs and generates losses to the state, because they don't pay taxes. The labor force formed this way affects the interests of local workers, increasing the sentiment of antipathy to this presence and, no least, it creates an environment for fugitives to hide in. Aggression, begging, human and drug trafficking, breaking into homes and stealing - all these come from the Romanians who moved their 'market' from Romania to Europe".
"We don't know how many Romanians are in Italy. It's the price we pay for our freedom to circulate freely. The things got out of control in Italy and we try to avoid having the same thing happening in Spain", said Basescu, reminding that after discussing with PM Zapatero, the Romanian and Spanish Labor Ministers agreed to meet and modify the Spanish moratorium in such a way that Romanian workers would be identified.
Asked whether the Foreign Minister Cioroianu blundered when he addressed the King of Spain in what the media called "a manner non-pertaining to the State etiquette", Basescu says that Cioroianu reacted to a friendly way to address that King Juan Carlos used. "I didn't see the gesture (Coiroianu gave King Juan Carlos the thumbs up, our note), but I heard myself when the King told him that they were born on the same date. (...) Given the friendly manner of addressing chosen by King Juan Carlos, it was probably this the environment for the gesture, not the official status".
But this is about as much as Basescu can defend Cioroianu: "Honestly, I can tell you he's not a good Foreign Minister, but this has nothing to do with the gesture. I wouldn't accept such a gesture, not from a Romanian minister, nor from a foreign one. But the fact is that the Spanish Court didn't have a negative reaction whatsoever. (...) It is definitely o series of blunders that Cioroianu made. I had several trips made along with this man and I can tell you that he has a huge education deficit. (...) I had a few conversations with him and as soon as the president tells him one thing, he tries to prove how well he knows it and he talks ten times the time the president does. For example, we went to meet the Romanians and someone asked a question about the important consulate-related problems they see, mainly in Spain (...) I had to stop him, because he begun a long speech and the president was the interlocutor".
Speaking about the referendum for the introduction of an uninominal voting system and the low voters turnout, Basescu said that "it is mainly a lesson. Strictly from a political point of view, one may see that 82% were in favor of the uninominal vote, meaning 4 million people voted "Yes", and only 700,000 voted "no". From my point of view, it is a major failure, because at the referendum in May 2007 (note: when the people voted against the suspension of president Basescu by the Parliament) I talked about the need to reform the political class with the people, since the parties don't want to reform themselves. And I told the people at the moment: there will be the uninominal vote referendum, then the local elections, the legislative elections in 2008, then the Parliament elections in 2009... And we missed the first step. (...) Although I blamed the public television and the public radio for broadcasting misleading information, I assume the absence at the referendum as a personal failure".
Still, all is not lost for Basescu: "In case I fail to convince the parties that the 4 million people who said Yes at the referendum represent something, I may call for another referendum in 2008. I is not a personal ambition (...) We need to cleanse our political class, without this Romanians will not benefit even b y far from being citizens of the European Union, although they will still have some advantages".
But the surprise statement of the interview came when Basescu was asked about the attempt to pass his version for the uninominal referendum in the Parliament, the head of state confessing that there is a chance for his main supporting party, the Democrats (PD) to support the project tabled in 2005 by the Social-Democrat opposition (PSD): "There are a few flaws in the PSD project, there are a few in the PD draft as well", Basescu said. "In case Mircea Geoana is indeed the political guide mark of his party, the things may work".
But that will be all that's good to say about Geoana: "He keeps dreaming about being a Prime Minister, ever since 2004. This will never happen while I am president", Basescu said. After declaring a few days ago that the parties that didn't answer the president's call for important discussions will have nothing to do with the Government in the future, Basescu reinforced his statements in the interview for Hotnews.ro: "I didn't invite the parties to discussions because I didn't have anything better to do. There were important things to discuss. The Agreement for Education", the only solution to avoid having the education system changed each time the government changes... We need it this year. And Mr. Geoana, who claims that he is a responsible person, affords to be absent from discussion that refer to the national interest.
Interview by Dan Tapalaga
Asked about the way he described the illegal workers in Spain as "a time bomb", president Traian Basescu has once again introduced his theory about the labor market restrictions: "Restricting the official, recorded work generates black market labor, generates insecurity for the citizens accepted in unregistered jobs and generates losses to the state, because they don't pay taxes. The labor force formed this way affects the interests of local workers, increasing the sentiment of antipathy to this presence and, no least, it creates an environment for fugitives to hide in. Aggression, begging, human and drug trafficking, breaking into homes and stealing - all these come from the Romanians who moved their 'market' from Romania to Europe".
"We don't know how many Romanians are in Italy. It's the price we pay for our freedom to circulate freely. The things got out of control in Italy and we try to avoid having the same thing happening in Spain", said Basescu, reminding that after discussing with PM Zapatero, the Romanian and Spanish Labor Ministers agreed to meet and modify the Spanish moratorium in such a way that Romanian workers would be identified.
Asked whether the Foreign Minister Cioroianu blundered when he addressed the King of Spain in what the media called "a manner non-pertaining to the State etiquette", Basescu says that Cioroianu reacted to a friendly way to address that King Juan Carlos used. "I didn't see the gesture (Coiroianu gave King Juan Carlos the thumbs up, our note), but I heard myself when the King told him that they were born on the same date. (...) Given the friendly manner of addressing chosen by King Juan Carlos, it was probably this the environment for the gesture, not the official status".
But this is about as much as Basescu can defend Cioroianu: "Honestly, I can tell you he's not a good Foreign Minister, but this has nothing to do with the gesture. I wouldn't accept such a gesture, not from a Romanian minister, nor from a foreign one. But the fact is that the Spanish Court didn't have a negative reaction whatsoever. (...) It is definitely o series of blunders that Cioroianu made. I had several trips made along with this man and I can tell you that he has a huge education deficit. (...) I had a few conversations with him and as soon as the president tells him one thing, he tries to prove how well he knows it and he talks ten times the time the president does. For example, we went to meet the Romanians and someone asked a question about the important consulate-related problems they see, mainly in Spain (...) I had to stop him, because he begun a long speech and the president was the interlocutor".
Speaking about the referendum for the introduction of an uninominal voting system and the low voters turnout, Basescu said that "it is mainly a lesson. Strictly from a political point of view, one may see that 82% were in favor of the uninominal vote, meaning 4 million people voted "Yes", and only 700,000 voted "no". From my point of view, it is a major failure, because at the referendum in May 2007 (note: when the people voted against the suspension of president Basescu by the Parliament) I talked about the need to reform the political class with the people, since the parties don't want to reform themselves. And I told the people at the moment: there will be the uninominal vote referendum, then the local elections, the legislative elections in 2008, then the Parliament elections in 2009... And we missed the first step. (...) Although I blamed the public television and the public radio for broadcasting misleading information, I assume the absence at the referendum as a personal failure".
Still, all is not lost for Basescu: "In case I fail to convince the parties that the 4 million people who said Yes at the referendum represent something, I may call for another referendum in 2008. I is not a personal ambition (...) We need to cleanse our political class, without this Romanians will not benefit even b y far from being citizens of the European Union, although they will still have some advantages".
But the surprise statement of the interview came when Basescu was asked about the attempt to pass his version for the uninominal referendum in the Parliament, the head of state confessing that there is a chance for his main supporting party, the Democrats (PD) to support the project tabled in 2005 by the Social-Democrat opposition (PSD): "There are a few flaws in the PSD project, there are a few in the PD draft as well", Basescu said. "In case Mircea Geoana is indeed the political guide mark of his party, the things may work".
But that will be all that's good to say about Geoana: "He keeps dreaming about being a Prime Minister, ever since 2004. This will never happen while I am president", Basescu said. After declaring a few days ago that the parties that didn't answer the president's call for important discussions will have nothing to do with the Government in the future, Basescu reinforced his statements in the interview for Hotnews.ro: "I didn't invite the parties to discussions because I didn't have anything better to do. There were important things to discuss. The Agreement for Education", the only solution to avoid having the education system changed each time the government changes... We need it this year. And Mr. Geoana, who claims that he is a responsible person, affords to be absent from discussion that refer to the national interest.
Interview by Dan Tapalaga
Romanian anti-graft prosecutors investigate Romanian football boss
Anti-graft prosecutors started investigating Romanian football boss Dumitru Dragomir for bribery and forgery in a file regarding a land transaction, Romanian news agency NewsIn informs. The prosecutors are also said to be investigating former football boss of FC National, Gino Iorgulescu.
The National Anti-corruption Department (DNA) inquiry eyes a transaction involving a plot of land on which the headquarters of the Professional Football League (LPF) of Romania was built. Dumitru Dragomir, who also serves as MP for the Greater Romania Party (PRM), is head of the LPF.
FC National football club manager Constantin Iacov has submitted a complaint against Dragomir, arguing that he has abused the LPF funds by paying ten times the price of the plot of land to the seller, FC National, through Iorgulescu.
Source: HotNews
The National Anti-corruption Department (DNA) inquiry eyes a transaction involving a plot of land on which the headquarters of the Professional Football League (LPF) of Romania was built. Dumitru Dragomir, who also serves as MP for the Greater Romania Party (PRM), is head of the LPF.
FC National football club manager Constantin Iacov has submitted a complaint against Dragomir, arguing that he has abused the LPF funds by paying ten times the price of the plot of land to the seller, FC National, through Iorgulescu.
Source: HotNews
Romania opposition Social Democrats dismiss rumored offer to ally with governing Liberals
The leader of the main opposition party in Romania, the Social Democrats (PSD), announced on Monday that his group would stick to the opposition, thus dismissing earlier claims that the governing Liberals (PNL) would negotiate a possible entry of the PSD in the government. PSD leader Mircea Geoana said his group would continue to oppose both the parties that are now part of the governing coalition and the political groups supporting President Traian Basescu.
Geoana made the statements as several media outlets said on Monday morning that talks were about to take place between the PSD and the PNL parties on a possible alliance between the two parties. The Social Democratic leader had recently warned that the government would not be able to remain in office any longer without a supporting coalition.
Geoana made the statements as talks concluded at the National Executive Board of the party in Bucharest on Monday. The talks took place a week after the first European elections took place in Romania simultaneously with a referendum on reforming the electoral law. Both polls reported a extremely low turnout, while most parties, including the PSD, received considerable less votes than expected.
Geoana said the main objectives of the party now are winning the 2008 elections and to return to over 30% of voter support.
Another PSD leader, Marian Vanghelie, dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the Liberals led by PM Calin Popescu Tariceanu on Monday, saying they were incapable to run the government.
Source: HotNews
Geoana made the statements as several media outlets said on Monday morning that talks were about to take place between the PSD and the PNL parties on a possible alliance between the two parties. The Social Democratic leader had recently warned that the government would not be able to remain in office any longer without a supporting coalition.
Geoana made the statements as talks concluded at the National Executive Board of the party in Bucharest on Monday. The talks took place a week after the first European elections took place in Romania simultaneously with a referendum on reforming the electoral law. Both polls reported a extremely low turnout, while most parties, including the PSD, received considerable less votes than expected.
Geoana said the main objectives of the party now are winning the 2008 elections and to return to over 30% of voter support.
Another PSD leader, Marian Vanghelie, dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the Liberals led by PM Calin Popescu Tariceanu on Monday, saying they were incapable to run the government.
Source: HotNews
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