Tuesday, January 16th

The Romanian Prime-Minister Mihai Tudose has resigned

Mihai Tudose has submitted his resignation as prime-minister, on Monday evening, after the Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party has withdrawn the political support for him. Tudose has refused to cover the interim period, but said he would remain a party member. President Klaus Iohannis has named the Defense Minister Mihai Fifor as interim prime minister, after accepting Mr. Tudose’s resignation and called the political parties for consultations on Wednesday. „There is now obviously a need for a government to shorten this period of uncertainty,” Iohannis said. „I want us to have a swift procedure that will lead to a new government because … I want to avoid as much as possible potential negative economic consequences.”

Romanian Social Democrats have nominated MEP Viorica Dancila as new prime minister

Romania’s ruling Social Democrat party (PSD) chose to nominate European MP Viorica Dancila as the new prime minister in a unanimous vote on Tuesday after Mihai Tudose stepped down following a row with the party leadership. Viorica Dancila is also the head of PSD Women organization, and has been described as a non-conflictual and extremely communicative person by PSD leader, Liviu Dragnea, who also noted her good relationship with officials from the European Commission.

Japan’s Prime Minister is due to meet President Klaus Iohannis at the Cotroceni palace

Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, is at the Cotroceni Palace, where he will hold talks with President Klaus Iohannis. On the first visit by a Japanese official to Romania, the two keaders will discuss about bolstering bilateral relations, Japan’s cooperation with the European Union and also the North-Korean nuclear crisis. Earlier on Tuesday, the Japanese delegation, led by the Deputy Cabinet Director of the Tokyo Prime Minister Kotaro Nogami, was welcomed at the Victoria Palace by the Romanian deputy Prime Minister, Paul Stanescu. Mr Stanescu has stated that a constant goal of Romania’s foreign policy will be to develop cooperation with Japan, whatever the political formula of the Government in Bucharest.

Romania’s national currency, the leu, is at a record low against the Euro

The Romanian national currency, the leu, has reached its lowest level against the European currency, the euro. Romania’s National Bank has announced on Tuesday a value of 4, 66 lei for one euro. The leu has also fallen in relation with the American dollar and the Swiss franc.

Mădălina Brotăcel – Agenţia RADOR