August 14, 2024

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 14.08.2024, 13:55

Investigation. In Bucharest, the investigation continues into the suspicious deaths reported in the spring at the “Saint Pantelimon” Hospital, when a large number of patients died in just a few days. The prosecutors say that they have evidence indicating a direct link between the administration of the treatment and the death of a 54-year-old patient. Two female doctors from the Intensive Care Department were taken in preventive detention on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder. The prosecutors also said that before the revelations regarding the decrease in the dose of noradrenaline in the IC Department of the Pantelimon Hospital, the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the Bucharest Tribunal had already investigated five suspicious deaths at the medical unit, and autopsies were then ordered. The resulting information is currently being investigated to determine if it is relevant to the case of first-degree murder. The representatives of the Prosecutor’s Office have also stated that over time they have received notifications regarding suspicious deaths in several health facilities in Bucharest, including the “Saint Pantelimon” hospital.

Government. The agenda of today’s Government meeting includes the adoption of the draft ordinance for the amendment of the GEO on measures to grant a career bonus for teaching and auxiliary teaching staff, as well as a professional career bonus for the auxiliary staff in public education, borne from non-reimbursable external funds. Also, the Executive will approve a draft ordinance regarding the authorization of economic operators in the railway sector, metro transport, light metro, monorail and urban, suburban and regional transport on rails, industrial railways and heritage and tourist railways. The Government will also approve a draft decision regarding the allocation of amounts from the Budgetary Reserve Fund, provided for in the state budget for 2024, to supplement the budget of the High Court of Cassation and Justice.

Ukraine. Dozens of drones of the Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked, last night, the Russian region of Voronezh, according to local authorities. There were no victims, but several buildings and cars were damaged. The governor of the Russian border region of Belgorod has declared a state of emergency, saying that the Ukrainian bombing has made the situation there extremely difficult. Viacheslav Vladkov said that daily Ukrainian attacks have destroyed homes and killed civilians. In another move, Russian shells have killed at least one civilian and wounded two others in the Ukrainian region of Sumi, according to the local administration. Meanwhile, the Kyiv troops continue their major cross-border assault in Russia’s Kursk region. The Ukrainian army now controls 74 settlements in the area, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. He also said that hundreds of Russian soldiers surrendered during the Ukrainian incursion in this region. According to analysts, Russia’s human losses are at their highest since the beginning of the war, which is why Moscow has been forced to increase recruitment bonuses to avoid a new mobilization.

Middle East. Tension remains high in the Middle East, although the regime in Tehran seems to be waiting first for the results of the round of negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza. Iran and its non-state allies in the region, mainly Hezbollah, have vowed to take revenge on Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and of a high-ranking Hezbollah commander. The attack on Israel, announced as imminent, has so far been postponed. On the other hand, sources from Iran’s leadership said that the parties are waiting for the result of the summit in Doha, due on Thursday, between the mediating countries and Israel, in which it is not yet clear whether Hamas will also participate. However, Iran has officially stated that if the meeting fails, the attack against Israel will not be postponed and that it will occur at the end of this week. Dubbed the ‘last possible opportunity’, the meeting in Doha, on Thursday, is not credited with great chances of success, not even by the mediating countries. On the other hand, the United States Government is intensifying its efforts to convince Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip. US President Joe Biden said such an agreement could deter Iran from launching attacks on Israel.

Gaudeamus. As of today, the city of Sibiu, in central Romania, is hosting the Gaudeamus Book Fair, organized by Radio Romania. For 5 days, in the Big Square of the historical center of the city, locals and tourists are invited to choose from a rich editorial offer. In the 15 pavilions, the Gaudeamus Book Fair brings together over 40 exhibitors. The most famous publishing houses in Romania will be present, as well as distributors of books, games, music and educational materials. Seven publishing events, book launches and autograph sessions will be organized during the fair. Those who cannot attend can follow the fairs offers and events online, on the gaudeamus.ro website.

Eurostat. The euro zone and the European Union registered an increase of 0.3% in the second quarter of this year, similar to that of the first three months of 2024, when the growth was also 0.3% in both areas, according to preliminary data published today Eurostat. The biggest increases in the second quarter of this year were reported in Poland (1.5%), Ireland (1.2%) and the Netherlands (1%). At the opposite pole were Latvia (minus 1.1%), Sweden (minus 0.8%), Hungary (minus 0.2%) and Germany (minus 0.1%). Romania reported a growth of 0.1% in the second quarter of 2024, after an expansion of 0.5% in the previous three months.

Jazz. The Jazz & Blues Festival, one of the most important musical events in Romania, starts today in Brasov (centre). Until Sunday, over 100 artists from all over the world will hold 30 concerts and over 20 films will be screened, all in several locations in the city. Sugar Ray & The Bluetones feat. Rusty Zinn (USA) and Monster Mike Welch (USA) will perform for the first time in Romania. They are joined on the main stage of the festival by the Scots from King King, the Belgians from Black Cat Biscuit and the Italians from the Umberto Porcaro Band. Beloved by the Brasov public, Sharrie Williams returns to the main stage of the Brasov festival, and the line-up is completed by the well-known German trumpeter and composer Markus Stockhausen and the charismatic Cuban artist, Ana Carla Maza. Also performing will be the British Hidden Orchestra, which BBC Radio said is “a band like you won’t find anywhere in the world, one of the most impressive things you can see live”. The festival program is completed by activities and workshops for children, outdoor film screenings, musical workshops, documentaries and musical films, as well as concerts.

Olympic Games. The Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee has announced that it received from the Organizing Committee the bronze medal to be handed to gymnast Ana Maria Bărbosu, for the third place in the floor event at the Olympic Games in Paris. Last Saturday, before the end of the Olympic Games, the Court of Arbitration for Sport decided that Ana Maria Bărbosu won the bronze medal and that Sabrina Voinea, her compatriot, finished the competition in 4th place. This decision overturned the ranking decided by the referees at the end of the floor event, on August 5. The International Olympic Committee said that the American Jordan Chiles, who had initially came in third on the podium, must return the medal. Romania ended its participation in the Olympic Games in Paris with nine medals: three gold, four silver and two bronze. (MI)