Financial Press Review, 15 April

Food price evanescence and fuel price rises are naturally causing concern, and the perspective of economy growth is related, no matter how much some may try to deny it, to investments.

The Bursa informs that Romania is third in the EU in the percentage of investment in the GDP, but needs are unlimited and we have to prioritize, because city halls cannot have ‘schools, bridges, hospitals, roads and stadiums’, according to the NBR chief economist, Valentin Lazea.

On the other hand, Lazea pointed out that we need to understand that there are regional differences in our country.

The Ziarul Financiar presents investors’ opinion, who also call for prioritization in allocating resources.

They believe that, taking into consideration its impact on the economy, budget spending and cofinancing from the EU, the Nădlac-Sibiu motorway should be first among the five investments for the next five years.

The investment, estimated at 3-4 billion Euros, would lead to a medium-term GDP increase of 3.6 and would generate 74 000 jobs.

Second on the list is the Bucharest-Braşov motorway.

The investment top also includes the Craiova-Constanţa infrastructure projects, the Tarniţa-Lăpuşteşti hydroelectric power plant and the recently initiated Extreme Light Infrastructure paneuropean project.

The same daily informs that the Ministry of Economy will not stop coal exploitation and coal-based energym although in the past 20 years the subsidies to support minning have amounted to about 6.7 billion dollars, and these companies still have the biggest losses and debt.

However, ministry officials claim that if you don’t produce, you don’t exist.

At the same time, we find out that on 19 June, a referendum will be held to find out if people in Bucharest agree with the dissolution of district mayors elected by citizens and local district councils.

The main effect of a ‘yes’ would be that the Bucharest City Hall will receive another 1 billion euro to the budget and power will be in the hands of only one man – the mayor – and of a single council – that of Bucharest.

The Curierul Naţional informs that Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Anca Boagiu claims her ministry saved up to 600 million Euro in the infrastructure work auctions due to the new regulations.

The savings come from the difference between the highest value of a project and the amount offered at the auction.

Translated by: Gabriela Lungu
MA Student, MTTLC, Bucharest University