Romanian political parties directed 53% of their RON 174 million (EUR 35 million) in public subsidies during January-August towards media and propaganda expenses, according to a report published by the Expert Forum (EFOR) on October 1. The watchdog estimates that by the end of 2025, total party subsidies will reach RON 284 million (EUR 57 million). The report comes despite previous commitments by prime minister Ilie Bolojan to reduce state financing for political parties. Although Bolojan recently mentioned a possible 10% cut, the latest budget revision maintained current subsidy levels without any decrease. According to EFOR, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL) allocated the largest sums to propaganda. PSD spent RON 75.8 million in total, with 81% of this dedicated exclusively to press and propaganda contracts. PNL devoted RON 9.1 million, a third of its expenses, to similar activities. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) allocated 53% of its spending - RON 16 million - to media contracts, and an additional RON 1.8 million for producing and broadcasting advertising spots. In contrast, the Save Romania Union (USR) directed only 20% of its outlays, or RON 4.9 million, to press and propaganda, with most funds going to personnel costs. SOS Romania reported minimal spending on propaganda, just RON 12,500, focusing instead on political activities and travel. EFOR criticised party leaders for refusing to disclose details of their media and propaganda contracts. “The behaviour of political leaders is regrettable given their reluctance to provide transparency over the use of public money,” the organisation said, noting that although Law 544/2001 does not oblige parties to publish this information proactively, they could do so voluntarily. The report warned that parties often adopt a confrontational stance towards journalists asking about their spending, despite the reliance on taxpayer funding.
Sursa International Light Art Festival, an event featuring immersive installations, projections, and light structures, will take place at the National Library of Romania from October 13 to October 19. The event brings together international and Romanian artists “in a visual dialogue about technology, architecture and sensitivity,” the organizers announced. “We wanted to build the opportunity […]
Romania’s Defense Ministry has signed a contract worth RON 50.4 million with Rheinnmetall Automecanica, a subsidiary of the German defense industry giant Rheinmetall, for the delivery of drone detection systems, Economedia.ro reported. The radar system will be delivered within 18 months at most and will reportedly be...
The former Steaua Roșie cinema in Cluj-Napoca will reopen as Edison-House of Music, a cultural hub dedicated to music and community, the organizers of the Jazz in the Park festival announced. Built in the early 1900s, the Edison building became, after World War II, the Steaua Roșie cinema. After 1989, the venue underwent several changes […]
Unprecedented amounts of precipitation have been recorded in Romania as cyclone Barbara hit the country on October 5-8, according to the authorities. At the same time, Bucharest exceeded the absolute maximum levels of rain for October. “Between October 5–8, 2025, Romania was affected by the Mediterranean cyclone Barbara, which formed over the Ionian Sea and […]
Romania is one of six European countries recently selected to develop a new artificial intelligence and supercomputing center under the EuroHPC – AI Factories program. The project, known as the AI Factory, will be Romania’s first national AI infrastructure, marking a major step toward strengthening its digital and research capabilities. The initiative will be led […]
North Bucharest Investments announces a strategic partnership with the Adrian Mutu Football Academy, marking the beginning of a collaboration focused on developing sports among children and young people, health education, and promoting an active lifestyle. As part of this partnership, the two organizations are launching the North Bucharest Investments Cup, a youth football competition taking […]
