February 15, 2023 UPDATE

Moldova – President Klaus Iohannis states that Romania supported and continues to support the Republic of Moldova (ex-Soviet state with a majority Romanian-speaking population) and strongly condemns any destabilization attempt initiated from outside the country. "The public signals regarding any attempts by the Russian Federation to intervene illegitimately to overthrow the democratic and constitutional order of the Republic of Moldova, a sovereign state, which chose its political direction through free elections, are extremely worrying," says the head of state in a press release on Wednesday. Klaus Iohannis reiterated that the Republic of Moldova is not alone in facing these challenges and reiterated Romania's unflinching support for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this state, within its internationally recognized borders and for its pro-European future. At the same time, the head of state points out that the place of the Republic of Moldova is in the great family of the European Union and that this path is "irreversible and must be followed with consistency, courage and ambition". President Iohannis made these statements after on Monday, the Moldovan president, the pro-Western Maia Sandu, announced that Moscow intended to force the change of political power in the Republic of Moldova in the next period through violent actions, which would destabilize the country.

Quake – The Romanian Prime Minister, Nicolae Ciucă, announced that, as of Thursday, an inter-institutional working group will be established under his direct coordination, with the aim of preventing, preparing and responding to earthquake situations. The group will include the Ministries of Development, Interior, Education, Health, Energy, Environment, Transport, Culture and Research. They will be joined by the National Union of County Councils, the Association of Cities, Municipalities and Communes, the State Constructions Inspectorate and the Technical University of Constructions. Nicolae Ciucă pointed out that special importance would be given to the school infrastructure with a seismic risk: schools at risk in the event of an earthquake will be immediately refurbished. The prime minister also added that there is a need for a reevaluation of institutional buildings and private apartment buildings, and also for rechecking and revising the standards in the field of constructions. On Monday and Tuesday, two high-intensity earthquakes occurred in southern Romania - 5.2 and 5.7 on the Richter scale. No casualties were reported, but the people panicked, as seismic events rarely occur in this area.

Inflation – The National Bank of Romania revised the inflation forecast for the end of this year to 7%, down from 11.2% as previously estimated. According to the quarterly report on inflation, presented on Thursday by the governor of the National Bank of Romania, Mugur Isărescu, at the end of next year, the indicator will be 4.2%. Romania has consolidated its position in terms of inflation within the European Union. Mugur Isărescu also said that a balance must be achieved between combating inflation and avoiding a possible recession and added that the inflation forecast is marked by numerous uncertainties.

Ukraine – The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, renewed, on Wednesday, in the European Parliament, the EU's commitments to support Ukraine. The head of the European executive announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, as well as against Iran, which supplies the Russian army with drones that have repeatedly struck civilian areas. The MEPs called for more sanctions against Moscow and for the Russians to be brought before the court in The Hague to be tried for war crimes. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent, the majority of MEPs support the military aid given to the Ukrainian army and even sending fighter jets, because, in their opinion, it is not the delivery of Western weapons that prolongs the war, but the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

Chisinau - The prime minister-designate of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Recean, presents, on Thursday, in the Moldovan Parliament, the government program and the list of ministers proposed for the new Cabinet. Dorin Recean declared that his priorities will be order and discipline in institutions, the economy, security and European integration. The press from Chisinau comments that it is expected that the new Executive will be voted, in the context in which the Action and Solidarity Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, has publicly announced that they will support it. Many of the current ministers could be found in the new Government. The change of government in Chisinau takes place against the background of the increasingly tense security situation in the Republic of Moldova. Dorin Recean, presidential advisor for security, also held the position of Interior Minister in the past. President Maia Sandu on Friday proposed him as a candidate for the position of prime minister, after the acting Prime Minister Natalia Gavriliţa announced her resignation. (LS)