Romania

Romania's anti-corruption prosecutors on Thursday opened criminal proceedings against former strongman Liviu Dragnea, who is suspected of influence peddling to secure his presence at Donald's Trump's inauguration as US President on January 20, 2017.

Four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 86th Borcea Air Base, two F-16 aircraft, one unmanned aircraft and two air refuelling aircraft of the USAFE United States Air Forces in Europe participated in the Prime Accord multinational air exercise on Thursday, according to a press statement released by the National Defence Ministry (MApN).

As many as 3,525 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Romania were recorded in the last 24 hours following more than 32,000 tests nationwide, the Strategic Communication Group (GCS), the official novel coronavirus communication task force, reported on Thursday. These are cases of patients that have not previously tested positive.

"This year, on January 15, we celebrate a sad day of national culture. First of all, because of this plague that brought us to our knees, closed our halls of performances, exhibitions, libraries, archives, libraries.

For the 2021 budget blueprint, the government examines the situation of bonuses in the public sector to see which of them are justified, Prime Minister Florin Citu declared on Thursday, announcing also that the Wage Law would undergo amendments for inequities in the public system to be ironed out.

Everyone has read the jokes about how the most important thing in the 21st century is that one should have access to internet. And everyone in the civilized world take for granted such services as electricity and water supply.

In reaction to a Constitutional Court ruling on Wednesday, Prime Minister Florin Citu says Romania in 2020 did not afford to increase state pensions by 40% and it does not afford now either, but the government will do increase pensions based on a promised schedule. "Romania did not afford it last year. It does not afford it in 2020 either.

On Wednesday, President Klaus Iohannis signed a decree for the decoration of outgoing US ambassador to Romania Adrian Zuckerman.

Romania's COVID-19 death toll hit 16,969 following another 88 coronavirus-related fatalities in the past 24 hours, the Strategic Communication Group (GCS) informs today. Of these, one death was in the 30 - 39 years age range, seven were in the 50 - 59 age range, 24 in the 60 - 69 age range, 39 fatalities were in the 70 - 79 age range and 17 in the 80+ age group.

President Klaus Iohannis sent today to Justice Minister Stelian Ion the request for the start of the criminal investigation of former Prime Minister and former Senate Chairman Calin Popescu-Tariceanu.