Klaus Iohannis

Prime minister Viorica Dancila on Thursday said at an informal meeting with the media that she intends to talk to president Klaus Iohannis about the replacement of the transport and regional development ministers, even on Friday, on the sidelines of the CSAT (Superior Council for Country's Defence, ed. n.) meeting.

President Klaus Iohannis on Monday sent a message to Romanians on the occasion of Christmas, saying that the birth of the Lord represents a celebration of the miracle of life and a celebration of goodness, compassion and generosity.

Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on Sunday evening said that President Klaus Iohannis is "a man who doesn't accept consensus."

Dancila told Romania TV private television broadcaster that she discussed with the head of state about the need for interinstitutional cooperation, however she added she hadn't succeeded in her endeavors.

Justice Minister Tudorel Toader announced on Sunday his intention of concluding on 27 December the necessary steps for the finalisation of the dismissal procedure of Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar.

President Klaus Iohannis told an informal meeting with journalists on Friday that he has the first chance in the presidential elections and a candidacy of former prime minister Dacian Ciolos won't create any problems.

President Klaus Iohannis on Friday said, referring to the emergency ordinance on the fiscal measures announced by the Finance Minister, that such measures clearly have a negative impact on the economy, as they haven't been prepared, underscoring that he hopes that his call on the government to resume the discussion and come up with a package of explicable measures has been understood.

Prime Minister Viorica Dancila welcomed at the Victoria Governmental Palace on Friday Austria's Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who is currently paying an official visit to Bucharest.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Friday thanked Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for taking care of democracy and rule of law.

"I want to thank him for, as President, he took care of democracy, of the rule of law," the Austrian Chancellor told the Romanian head of state, at the joint press conference they held at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.

Romania is taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Austria, a trustworthy and good partner, President Klaus Iohannis said on Friday.

President Klaus Iohannis welcomed the Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Friday at the Cotroceni Palace.

The Austrian official's visit to Romania is taking place in a context in which Romania will take over from 1 January 2019 the Presidency of the EU Council from Austria.