Thursday, June 6th

Romania celebrates its heroes

Military and religious ceremonies are held in all major garrisons as Romania celebrates its Heroes Day on Wednesday. It always coincides with the Ascension Day (Înălțarea) in Romania, which is 39 days after Easter Sunday, and celebrates Christians’ belief of Jesus’ ascension to heaven. Public institutions and schools are expected to hold a moment of silence as tribute to those who died in the country’s wars. Wreaths laying ceremonies are schduled in the capital Bucharest at the Jewish Cemetery of Filantropia, the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Carol Park, Ghencea MIlitary Cemetery and many other places. Similar wreaths laying ceremonies are scheduled to memorials and cemeteries dedicated to Romanian soldiers in 13 countries.

Romania expected to introduce postal and early voting

Romania’s Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) prepares a draft emergency ordinance expected to introduce the postal and early voting at the presidential elections later this fall. AEP chief Florin Mituleţu Buică told Radio Romania his institution will discuss the issue with representatives of the country’s NGOs along with government and Presindential Administration officials. However, Mr. Mituleţu Buică pointed out that an electronic voting remained unavailable due to technical implications far beyond present capabilities. Romanians living abroad faced long queues at polling stations across Europe at the EU elections last month. Sources said there was a request for polling hours to be extended abroad, which was turned down by the authorities.

Further storms and heavy rains expected

Heavy rains followed by floods are still expected in most of Romania later this month, according to metheorologists. Many Romanian counties and areas around Danube river remain under yellow or orange codes of alert. Floods hit many towns and villages in more than half of Romania’s counties, including capital Bucharest, and the rainy weather will continue at least until Friday, June 7. Meanwhile, hydrologists issued yellow and orange code alerts for the Danube. From Wednesday morning until June 15, the flow of the river will increase steadily, and the rise in water levels may affect several counties. Romania is known as one of the most flood-prone countries in Europe. Floods killed 1,000 people in 1926; 215 people in 1970; 60 people in 1975; 108 people in 1991; and 33 people in 1995, according to statistics.
Alexandru Danga, RADOR