Like My Own Family: Romanian Man Lends A Helping Hand To Orphans

Florin Catanescu, who experienced the harsh conditions of a Romanian orphanage as a child, has established a shelter in Brasov to support young individuals transitioning out of state care. The shelter offers shared accommodation, meals, camaraderie, and guidance from Catanescu, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the community.

Romania’s presidential election eclipsed by political crisis

Romanians are preparing to elect a new president amidst a political crisis, with incumbent President Klaus Iohannis leading the polls. The election follows the recent ousting of Viorica Dancila's government due to corruption scandals. A minority government has been formed by the National Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Ludovic Orban. If no candidate secures over 50% in the election, a second round will be held on November 24. Romania faces economic challenges, including a high poverty rate and labor shortages exacerbated by emigration. The election, costing $35 million, is the most expensive in Romanian history.

Romania's presidential election eclipsed by political crisis

Romanians are set to elect a new president in an election overshadowed by a recent political crisis that led to the installation of a minority government. Incumbent President Klaus Iohannis leads the polls, followed by former Prime Minister Viorica Dancila. The Social Democrat government, led by Dancila, was ousted amid corruption scandals. The new minority government is led by Prime Minister Ludovic Orban of the National Liberal Party. If no candidate wins more than 50%, a second round of voting will occur. Romania faces significant economic challenges, including widespread poverty and a growing budget deficit.

Romania’s presidential election eclipsed by political crisis

Romanians are set to elect a new president in an election overshadowed by a recent political crisis that led to the installation of a minority government. Incumbent President Klaus Iohannis leads the polls, followed by former Prime Minister Viorica Dancila. The election, which may require a second round of voting, is marked by a lack of aggressive campaigning due to the political turmoil. Romania faces significant economic challenges, including widespread poverty and a growing budget deficit. The political crisis has kept the top candidates in the spotlight, overshadowing other contenders.

No election fever in Romanian village thriving with EU funds

The Romanian village of Luncavita, previously known for low voter turnout, has significantly benefited from European Union funds, leading to substantial local development projects. Key figures like Marian Ilie have played a crucial role in managing these funds, resulting in improved infrastructure and new business opportunities for residents. Despite past apathy, more villagers are now inclined to vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections, recognizing the positive impact of EU support on their community. The article highlights individual success stories and the broader implications for voter engagement and local development.

No election fever in Romanian village thriving with EU funds

The Romanian village of Luncavita, which had one of the lowest voter turnouts in the 2014 European Parliament election, has seen significant development through European Union funds. The village has received over 55 million euros for various projects, improving infrastructure and quality of life. Key figures like Marian Ilie and his brother, Mayor Stefan Ilie, have been instrumental in securing these funds. Despite past low voter engagement, residents now express a greater willingness to participate in the upcoming elections, recognizing the tangible benefits of EU membership. The article highlights individual success stories and the broader impact of EU funding on the community.

No election fever in Romanian village thriving with EU funds

The Romanian village of Luncavita, previously known for low voter turnout, has significantly benefited from European Union funds, attracting over 55 million euros for development projects. This financial support has transformed local infrastructure, including water systems and roads, and encouraged some residents who had emigrated to return and start businesses. The upcoming European Parliament elections are seen as a test for Romania's political landscape, with increased voter interest due to the visible benefits of EU membership. Key figures like Marian Ilie have played a pivotal role in securing these funds, while residents express gratitude for the EU's impact on their lives.

Demonstrators force Senate committee to change vote on amendment to pardon officials convicted of corruption

A Romanian Senate committee withdrew a proposed amendment that would have pardoned officials convicted of corruption after public protests. Approximately 2,000 people demonstrated in Bucharest and other cities against the amendment, which was part of a draft bill. The protests followed a larger movement that occurred two months prior when the Social Democratic government attempted to decriminalize some corruption offences through an emergency decree, which was also retracted due to mass demonstrations. Opposition parties and anti-corruption campaigners have criticized the amendment, and both the Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu and the President Klaus Iohannis have expressed opposition to it. The leader of the ruling Social Democrats, Liviu Dragnea, who could have benefited from the decree, also opposed the amendment after the protests.

Strikes Against Corruption: What's Actually Happening in Romania?

Romania is experiencing its largest mass protests since the end of the dictatorship, with hundreds of thousands demonstrating against the new social democratic government's attempt to weaken anti-corruption laws. The government's proposed changes would exonerate high-ranking politicians from corruption charges and set a high threshold for prosecuting abuse of office. The protests have had some impact, with Trade Minister Florin Jianu resigning. Despite international and domestic criticism, including from President Klaus Johannis and the Romanian Anti-Corruption Directorate, led by Laura Codruta Kövesi, the government has not indicated any plans to reverse the decree. The situation remains tense, with ongoing protests and potential for further unrest.

Huge protests erupt in Romania because the government wants to pardon corrupt officials

Romania witnessed its largest protests since 1989, with around 250,000 people demonstrating against an emergency government decree that could free officials jailed for corruption. The decree, which decriminalizes certain corruption offenses, has sparked outrage as it could lead to the pardon of many politicians, including the chairman of the ruling Social-Democratic party (PSD), Liviu Dragnea, who has been convicted of voter fraud. The PSD passed the decree late at night without public announcement, prompting chants of 'at night like thieves' from protestors. The European Commission and six key partners of Romania, including the U.S. and Germany, have expressed concern that the decree undermines EU and NATO principles. The protests are seen as a defense of the rule of law and a fight for a fair future in Romania.