February 21, 2025. Online Spotlight. Online news of the last 24 hours

In the last 24 hours, the Romanian online press has been dominated by domestic and international politics. The ANPC controls, the state of the road infrastructure, salary increases for certain categories of public sector employees and weather conditions were also in the spotlight.
JD Vance and Elon Musk, new messages about Romania
US Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk have criticized Romania's decision to cancel December's presidential elections. JD Vance said that the annulment of the elections indicates a lack of shared values with the US, while Musk called Marian Enache, president of Romania's Constitutional Court, a "tyrant". The press is taking note of Crin Antonescu's reaction, who talked about foreign intervention in Romania's domestic politics. (Digi24, Libertatea, G4Media)Wage increases and tensions in the public sector
Despite the wage freeze imposed by the "train ordinance", some categories of public sector employees have obtained pay rises, sparking discussions about the sustainability of these measures. Police officers will once again receive bonuses for work on weekends and public holidays, while state-owned energy companies can grant wage increases if they fall within the approved budget for 2024.(Digi24, HotNews, Profit.ro)
Road infrastructure problems
The leak reflects existing problems on the Bucharest-Pitești highway (A1), where potholes have appeared, especially on the first lane, posing a safety hazard for drivers. The National Road Infrastructure Administration Company (CNAIR) has blamed the situation on hauliers, while drivers and experts are calling for urgent action to remedy the problems. (G4Media, Adevărul, Economedia)Controls and sanctions in the food sector
The National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), under the leadership of Cristian Popescu Piedone, has carried out checks at various fast-food restaurants and restaurants in shopping centers in Bucharest, such as Sun Plaza, AFI Cotroceni and Băneasa. Following the irregularities, several establishments were temporarily closed. (HotNews.ro, ȘtirileProTV, Digi24)
Extreme weather conditions
Romania is facing a wave of extreme cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -23°C in some regions. Meteorologists have issued code yellow warnings of fog and frost and people are advised to take precautions to cope with the severe conditions. (Digi24, Adevărul, ȘtirileProTV)
An investigation into the theft of the Dacian treasure
The topic is back in the spotlight amid the arrest in the Netherlands of a fourth suspect in connection with the theft of the Dacian treasure from the Drents museum. The stolen artifacts have not yet been recovered, but authorities are continuing their investigation. (Libertatea, Digi24, HotNews.ro)
Top entities frequently mentioned in the news:
- JD Vance
- Elon Musk
- Marian Enache
- Călin Georgescu
- Cristian Popescu Piedone