The leaders of the governing coalition have agreed on the dates for the European Parliament elections, set for June 9th, coinciding with the elections across the European Union. Additionally, local elections will take place on September 29th. PSD (Social Democratic Party) and PNL (National Liberal Party) still need to finalize the dates for parliamentary and presidential elections. The leaders of the two parties have not reached an agreement yet, as each party is trying to maximize its chances in the presidential race. Liberals would prefer parliamentary elections to take place on December 8th, following the presidential elections scheduled for November 10th and 24th. PNL initially wished to hold parliamentary elections simultaneously with local elections, but PSD does not agree. The Social Democrats aim to arrange the electoral calendar so that the first round of the presidential elections aligns with the parliamentary elections. This would facilitate Marcel Ciolacu’s access to the second round of the presidential race against George Simion. This strategic move is based on the principle that the political vote for parties influences the presidential candidate, potentially disadvantaging PNL, given the current opinion polls. During coalition discussions, PSD leaders opposed organizing parliamentary elections on December 8th, arguing that the mandate of the current Parliament would expire on December 6th, leading to a situation of unconstitutionality. Marcel Ciolacu has consistently denied any intention to run for president whenever questioned. Similarly, George Simion has declined to officially announce his candidacy but unofficially acknowledged that he would run, contingent on Ciolacu’s candidacy for the PSD. Behind the political scenes, it is known that the two aspire to reach the final round together in the race for the presidency. PNL is in a more ambiguous situation, with uncertainty about whether Nicolae Ciuca will be the Liberal candidate.
The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Daniel, congratulated Pope Leo XIV for succeeding Pope Francis on Thursday, May 8. He expressed confidence that the new pope will continue to promote "the spirit of dialogue, peace, and cooperation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church." "In a world facing multiple spiritual, economic, and […]
The organizers of the Untold festival announced they will offer a RON 150 (EUR 30) voucher toward the purchase of a festival pass to anyone who votes on May 18, during the second round of the presidential elections. In an online message, Untold representatives emphasized the connection between civic participation and the future of every […]
The Open Streets program, which sees the city's major arteries close for car traffic and become pedestrian areas, returns this weekend with a program of exhibitions, concerts, and a Festival of Lights. On Saturday, May 10, at 2:00 p.m., the public is invited to the Made in Romania exhibition, which presents a selection of civilian […]
Joseph Stiglitz, the famous economist and professor at Columbia University in New York, and winner of the Nobel Prize in economy in 2001, told an audience in Cluj, Romania, that governments must stimulate exports and key sectors when facing deficits. Stiglitz was in Romania on Thursday, May 8, to receive the title of Doctor Honoris […]
The Constitutional Court unanimously validated on Friday, May 9, the results of the first round of the presidential elections. It also rejected as unfounded a request to annul the elections filed by Sebastian-Constantin Popescu, the presidential candidate of the New Romania Party, it announced. The runoff, set for May 18, will see ultranationalist leader George […]
Bucharest's culinary scene welcomes back OLEA, the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel's celebrated Mediterranean destination, now reimagined with a fresh concept that blends authentic coastal flavours with contemporary sophistication. Following an extensive transformation, OLEA reopens its doors to offer guests a refined journey through the Mediterranean's sun-drenched culinary traditions, right in the heart of Romania's […]
