June 19, 2025. ONLINE Spotlight. Online news of the last 24 hours

In the last 24 hours, the Romanian online press has been covering domestic politics (negotiations for the formation of the new government), the economy (with a focus on the anticipated fiscal measures, including the possible VAT hike), social issues (protests in education) and environmental issues (heat waves and weather warnings).

Government formation negotiations

The topic dominates the media agenda, with the political impasse surrounding the formation of the next government being highlighted amid discontent with the UDMR. The press reflects the tense negotiations between PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR, with references to possible appointments of ministers (including Ilie Bolojan as prime minister) and the "rotating" scenario. At the same time, internal PSD stenograms suggest political objectives such as obtaining the leadership of the Constitutional Court. (HotNews.ro, Digi24, ProTV news)

Early fiscal measures and the budget deficit

Another topic in the spotlight is related to the possible VAT increase to 21%. The press reflects Nicușor Dan's position on the issue. At the same time, measures that could be adopted to reduce the budget deficit are presented: staff cuts, public sector pay cuts and a halt to some investments.(Digi24, Mediafax, G4Media.ro)

The state of health of Ion Iliescu

The worsening health condition of former president Ion Iliescu is reflected in the press, with details of a new surgery and the diagnosis of lung cancer. The ex-president remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the "Prof. Dr. Agrippa Agrippa Ionescu" Clinical Emergency Hospital. (Digi24, HotNews.ro, Adevărul)

Protests in education

Education unions are announcing protests and a Japanese strike amid possible budget cuts. Teachers will wear banners or badges, but are announcing an intensification of protest action if their voice is not heard. The intervention of rector Marian Preda, who warns of a future dominated by radicalism unless there is far-reaching reform, underlines the need for change in the sector. (ProTV news, Digi24, Libertatea)

Weather warnings: heat wave

Meteorologists have issued a code yellow heatwave for half of the country, including the capital, with temperatures of up to 36°C. Although this is a news item, the recurrent nature of the phenomenon underlines the intensification of climatic extremes.(Mediafax, Digi24, Adevărul)

Top entities frequently mentioned in the news:

1. Nicușor Dan
2. PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR
3. Ion Iliescu
4. Education unions

*****Summary compiled using a monitoring feed provided by NewsVibe Romania, as well as Google News data. The analysis, data and images presented were enhanced with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence tools.