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Prosecutors raid oil terminal in Russian smuggling investigation

Detectives from DIICOT searched the Constanta customs office and the national oil terminal. The investigation into the smuggling of Russian oil is focusing on a senior customs official and a terminal manager who happened to resign the day before the raids. Simultaneously, police in six counties carried out 21 searches related to a £1.7m fraud targeting the British tax system.

Political finance is under its own strain as George Simion, leader of the AUR party, reportedly finished his 2025 presidential campaign with 12 million lei in debt. While Mr Simion tallies his losses, the governing PSD has partnered with his party to appoint an interim head of the Court of Accounts, suggesting that while the campaign was adversarial, the parties can still align on key appointments.

Sorin Grindeanu has demanded price cuts for energy to prevent industrial giants like Dacia from leaving. He also issued an apology for attending a lavish baptism in luxury attire, admitting it looked out of touch. Economists meanwhile suggest that a plan to cap all food prices could achieve the one thing worse than high prices: empty shelves.

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DIICOT Raids in Russian Oil Smuggling Investigation

DIICOT prosecutors have conducted raids at Oil Terminal and Constanta Customs as part of an investigation into Russian oil smuggling. A head from Constanta Customs and an Oil Terminal official, who resigned a day before the searches, are reportedly targeted in the probe. Additionally, police and prosecutors are carrying out 21 raids in six Romanian counties in connection with a British tax fraud investigation, where damages are estimated to exceed 1.7 million pounds.

George Simion's Debts Exceed 12 Million Lei After Presidential Campaign

George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), has reportedly accrued debts exceeding 12 million lei. These debts are said to be linked to his 2025 presidential campaign, during which he spent over 69 million lei. Simion has provided explanations regarding the origins of these alleged debts.

Doctors Indicted for Qualified Homicide at Sf. Pantelimon Hospital

Four doctors from the Intensive Care Unit of Sf. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital have been indicted for qualified homicide, facing accusations of deliberately stopping treatment and falsifying medical records. In connection with the same case, two nurses have also been charged with perjury.

PSD and AUR Form New Parliamentary Alliance, Vote Together for Court of…

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) have formed a new parliamentary alliance. This alliance was demonstrated by their joint vote for Sorin Lazăr, an ally of former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, as the interim head of the Court of Accounts.

Dominic Fritz Challenges Removal from Timișoara Mayoral Post

Dominic Fritz, President of the Save Romania Union (USR) and former Mayor of Timișoara, is seeking to reclaim his mayoral mandate. He is challenging the prefect's order for his removal from office, arguing for the full application of a law that decriminalizes his actions.

Romania Borrows While Untapped Tax Revenue Persists

An analysis highlights that Romania continues to borrow money despite the potential to collect tens of billions from untapped tax revenues. An economist attributes this situation to "mafioso networks" that are allegedly paralyzing the state's efforts to address tax evasion.

Sorin Grindeanu Calls for Urgent Measures to Reduce Energy Prices

Sorin Grindeanu, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and ad interim president of the Social Democratic Party, has requested urgent measures to lower energy prices. He expressed concern that major companies, such as Dacia or Ford, might consider leaving Romania if the issue is not addressed.

Minister Sorin Grindeanu Apologizes for Lavish Baptism

Sorin Grindeanu, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and ad interim president of the Social Democratic Party, has publicly apologized for attending a baptism dressed in luxurious attire. He acknowledged that his presence at the event conveyed an image of being out of touch with reality, amidst public scrutiny.

Former Transport Minister Răzvan Cuc Claims 'Seduction' in Bribery Case

Former Transport Minister Răzvan Cuc has alleged that he was manipulated by a whistleblower into accepting a bribe of 1.3 million lei. His lawyers are arguing that the accusation against him is unconstitutional.

President Nicușor Dan's Political Maneuvers and Failures Examined

Recent analyses are scrutinizing President Nicușor Dan's political maneuvers, particularly his involvement with the extremist AUR party, suggesting a strategic or deceptive alignment. Other commentary highlights his political failures and downfall, attributing his current standing to poor political decisions.

PNL MEP Criticizes PSD Leader for 'Excuses and Regrets'

Liberal MEP Siegfried Mureșan has issued strong criticism against Sorin Grindeanu, the ad interim president of the Social Democratic Party. Mureșan claims that Grindeanu and other PSD ministers are offering excuses instead of concrete solutions to national issues.

Romania Struggles to Retain Foreign Tourists

Romania is facing challenges in retaining foreign tourists, with an analysis showing that foreign visitors accounted for only 18.6% of overnight stays in 2025. The average stay was 2.1 days, with most tourists originating from Germany, Italy, and Israel.

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