August 12, 2017 UPDATE
Click here for a roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 12.08.2017, 19:17
HEAT Romania is in for more hot days. Meteorologists have issued a code orange alert for heat in two counties in southern Romania and a code yellow alert for another 24 counties and the capital Bucharest. The discomfort index is expected to rise above 80 while maximum temperatures will be ranging between 38-39 degrees Centigrade. Thunderstorms and even hail are expected in western regions as well as heavy rainfalls in 19 counties until Sunday at noon.
RADIO The Gaudeamus Book Fair staged by Radio Romania kicked off in the Black Sea city of Constanta on Saturday. Another major event is marking 50 years since Radio Holiday started its summer broadcasts. The fair is waiting for locals and tourists alike with an attractive book offer as well as numerous publishing events and contests. Over August 12th and 15th, Radio Romania Orchestras are giving free open air concerts of classical, pop and traditional music.
ELECTION German chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday kicked off her election campaign for the general election on September 24th with a pledge: to bring down the unemployment rate under 3% with a zero deficit until 2015. During a support-rally for the Christian-Democratic Union Party in Dortmund, Mrs. Merkel said that Germany is in a good situation but the world is passing through a period of changes and uncertainty. She defends the European project, which she describes as ‘the greatest security and the greatest peace project’ adding that ‘strengthening Europe means strengthening Germany’. According to the latest polls, CDU might obtain between 38% and 40% of the votes, whereas the rival Social-Democratic Party could muster between 23% and 24% of the votes.
EGGS The Romanian Poultry Breeders Union is giving assurances the eggs selling on the Romanian market are safe for consumption and that chicken farms in Romania aren’t using fipronil — the insecticide that caused the closing down of hundreds of farms in the EU and the withdrawal of millions of eggs from the EU markets. The authorities are monitoring the situation and are regularly taking samples. On Thursday in western Romania, inspectors with the National Food Safety Authority seized a ton of contaminated liquid yolk coming from Germany. According to the European Commission, 15 EU countries and other two non-EU states, Switzerland and Hong Kong have been affected by the contaminated-eggs scandal.
HOLIDAY The Romanian authorities have taken a series of measures allowing the Romanians to enjoy the mini-holiday of Saint Mary, which is also the Romanian Navy Day. Over 24 thousand troops of the Interior Ministry are assuring the public order, road safety and traffic towards the seaside and the mountain resorts. The Transport Ministry has added new trains and more rail personnel. Over August 12th and 15th Romania will be seeing over 200 religious, cultural and military ceremonies and services devoted to Navy Day, celebrated in the Romanian sea port of Constanta on the same day with the Dormition of the Mother of God, protector of the sailors.
