Latest Analysis from Romania
Cash Crisis Threatens Drugs Outreach in Romania
While the number of drug users rises steadily in Romania, harm-reduction programmes face closure as government funds dry up.
Romania TV Station Cries Foul Over Falling Ratings
A TV station has sparked a row by claiming that the body in charge in viewing figures massaged its ratings downwards.
Balkan Migrants – Social Problem or Straw Man for Germany?
Reports about the number of impoverished migrants from Bulgaria and Romania are alarming Germany - but how accurate are these claims?
Britain’s Migration Panic Leaves Romanians Unmoved
British fears of a mass influx from Romania are groundless, Romanians say, as most people who wanted to work abroad went long ago.
Romania: Road to Recovery Looks Rocky
While a gradual improvement in economic activity is expected, social unrest, delays in privatisations and public sector reforms are some of many challenges facing Romania’s governors in 2013
Romania: Year of Discontent
The country was led by three different governments that faced interminable political disputes, failed privatizations added to Romania’s economic woes, but there was good news in the arts.
Watershed Election May Not End Romania’s Agony
Next week’s elections are an opportunity for Romania to start afresh after a dismal year – but everything depends on the size of the majority of the winning coalition.
Oltchim Fiasco Highlights Romania’s Privatisation Problems
The cancellation of the sale of Romania’s largest chemical company has put the spotlight on the muddled approach to sales of state assets.
Court Ruling Fails to End Romania’s Infighting
The damaging war between the President’s and Prime Minister’s camps looks set to continue, in spite of the failure of the attempt to unseat the head of state in a referendum.
Referendum Fails to Resolve Romania’s Power Struggle
President Traian Basescu narrowly avoided impeachment in a referendum - but the bitter feud between him and the Prime Minister shows every sign of continuing.
EU Pressure Cools Romania’s Feuds – For Now
Harsh words from Brussels have forced Victor Ponta to pull in his horns in his bruising battle with President Basescu – but the drama is far from over.
Ex-PM’s Jailing Hailed as Watershed For Romanian Justice
As former PM Adrian Nastase becomes the first ‘big fish’ to be jailed for corruption in Romania, the question is whether it marks a turning point in the country’s battle with high-level graft.
Local Polls Pose Test For Romania’s New Coalition
If the ruling coalition wins more than 50 per cent of the votes in this Sunday’s local elections, it is probably on course to win a mandate in this autumn’s general election.
Romania’s New Leader Battles Temptation to Spend
With an election due in autumn, the new interim premier will have a hard task delivering on his pledge to reduce the burden of austerity while retaining the confidence of Romania’s creditors.
Schengen Red Light Leaves Romania Frustrated
Despite strenuous diplomatic efforts, Bucharest again failed to secure entry into the passport-free zone, leaving Romanians wondering who is to blame – Brussels or their own leaders?
