October 10, 2024 UPDATE

STOCKHOLM – The Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to the South Korean author Han Kang. Last year, the Norwegian writer Jon Fosse was awarded with the high distinction for his innovative plays and prose, which give voice to the unspoken. The Nobel Prize for Literature rewards the most valuable works of all literary genres, from poetry, short story, novel, to plays, essays or speeches. In 2009, the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to the Romanian-born German writer Herta Müller.

Elena Enache, 10.10.2024, 19:56

CORRUPTION – The Liberal MP Nelu Tătaru, a doctor and former Minister of Health, is under investigation, on charges of bribe taking. According to prosecutors, between April 3 and July 12, 2024, as a doctor at the hospital in Huși, he allegedly received sums of money between 100 and 500 lei as bribes, as well as foodstuffs, from 45 people, patients and relatives, for surgical interventions, patient consultations, or to issue medical prescriptions. Also, a criminal investigation is conducted in the case another 27 persons suspected of bribe taking, prosecutors announced. According to Romanian law, parliamentarians can be investigated, charged and sent to court for breaking the law, but parliamentary immunity prevents investigators from conducting searches or detaining them, without an opinion from the House of which they belong. Nelu Tătaru was Minister of Health from March to December 2020, the first year of the COVID 19 pandemic. As a result of the investigation, Liberal president Nicolae Ciucă announced that Nelu Tătaru was dismissed from the management of the Vaslui branch of the party and from the leadership of the Health Commission in the Chamber of Deputies.

MOLDOVA – The Republic of Moldova will benefit a financial support package worth 1.8 billion euros in the next three years, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday. The Plan, which is the largest EU financial support package since Moldova’s independence, will boost Moldova’s economy, bring the country closer to EU membership by accelerating reforms and provide significant financial assistance. The Moldova Growth Plan has the potential of doubling the size of the country’s economy in a decade, the European official also said. Investments in schools, hospitals, the development of infrastructure and energy interconnection with Romania and the EU, access facilities to the single European market, but also support in carrying out reforms are the essential elements of the announced plan, Ursula von der Leyen explained. President Maia Sandu thanked for the support offered by the EU to the Republic of Moldova, in recent years, in complicated moments, such as the pandemic crisis or the increase in energy bills following the crisis generated by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

MEETING – The Romanian Minister of National Defense, Angel Tîlvăr, had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, in Sarajevo. The discussion agenda included topics regarding the strengthening of cooperation in the field of regional security, with an emphasis on the EUFOR Althea mission, in which Romania assumed a significant role. The bilateral defense cooperation agreement, signed in June 2024, was another important topic on the agenda of the two ministers’ discussions. The document establishes the framework for the deepening of military collaboration between the two states, including aspects of joint training, exchange of experience and logistical support.

DIPLOMACY – The head of the diplomatic representation of Romania in Rome, Gabriela Dancău, was designated “Ambassador of the year 2024” in Italy by the publication Gazzetta Diplomatica. The prize is awarded annually in memory of the Italian ambassador Giovanni Giannuzzi. The director of the newspaper, Marco Finelli, said that the Romanian diplomat received numerous votes from ambassadors, Italian parliamentarians, representatives of the business environment and the press. He specified that the ambassador carried out “a high-level and very important activity”. The award ceremony will take place on November 14, at the Rome City Hall.