Former Eurovision Singer's Death Stuns Romania

In spite of economic hardships and ongoing corruption scandals, most daily newspapers and televisions in Romania this week have focused on the tragic death of a former Eurovision singer.

Malina Olinescu, 37, apparently committed suicide by jumping from a building in central Bucharest on Monday night.

Police said the singer was fully clothed when she killed herself apart from her slippers, which were found on the balcony from which she jumped.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the entertainer's sudden and untimely death.

Olinescu represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest in Britain in 1998.

As she is the second popular singer to have committed suicide in less than an year, her story has prompted wide discussion. News channels have for some days started primetime newscasts with the latest updates.

Last July singer Madalina Manole, 43, was found dead in her house in Otopeni, near Bucharest. Later investigations revealed that she killed herself.

Some experts criticise the way in which these deaths are being reported as sensational and inaccurate.

“The death of Olinescu was a tragedy, but the media are focusing too much on her personal life, making speculations and not delivering timely, balanced information,” psychologist Hanibal Domitrascu said.

“On the other hand, Romania is now part of the widespread culture of celebrity like everywhere else in Western Europe, so Romanians like to be distracted by celebrity news and gossip because they are often dissatisfied with their own lives,” he added.

Recent studies show that the top activities for Romanians are staying home and watching TV, with an average of seven hours’ of viewing per day.