October 23, 2024. Online Spotlight. Online news of the last 24 hours

Over the last 24 hours, the Romanian online press has mainly covered political topics such as the referendum in Bucharest and the presidential elections. Other topics on the media agenda include the transition to winter time, food card issues for 2025 and the weather forecast.
Referendum in Bucharest
The popular consultation initiated by Nicușor Dan remains on the media agenda. The press reports and discusses the referendum questions, as well as the PSD's stakes related to the issue. Nicușor Dan tried yesterday, in a live intervention on Facebook, to give more clarifications about the referendum (Digi24, Adevărul, Ziare.com)
Nicolae Ciucă's appeal to Elena Lasconi
Another prominent topic is related to the presidential elections, as Nicolae Ciucă, PNL leader, has publicly called on Elena Lasconi, USR leader, to withdraw from the race for the Cotroceni. His argument is linked to the percentage difference in the local elections and in the polls, with Ciucă underlining that Lasconi would have little electoral support.(Digi24, HotNews, Libertatea)
The transition to winter time
The time change is a recurring topic at this time of year. The press is announcing the change and is picking up the message from CFR Călători, which has informed the public about the changes to train timetables. The switch to winter time has a social and economic impact, including affecting certain sectors such as transportation and communications. (Digi24, Mediafax, Evz.ro)
Gigi Becali and the presidential election
Gigi Becali's controversial statements claiming that he was involved in a political deal to support George Simion in the presidential elections are gaining visibility in the media. (Adevărul, Cotidianul, G4Media.ro)Presidential election polls
An INSOMAR-AVANGARDE poll indicates a presidential final between Marcel Ciolacu and Nicolae Ciucă. The two are followed in voting intention by George Simion, Elena Lasconi and Mircea Geoană. (Digi24, Adevărul, Jurnalul)
Food aid for 2025
An important social theme concerns the new amounts that will be distributed through social cards from 2025. The press provides information about the beneficiaries and the changes in the level of this financial aid, with sources claiming that the amount is considered insufficient by the majority of beneficiaries. (Newsweek Romania, Cancan, Focus Press)
Weather warnings
Amid the ANM's warnings of a code yellow for fog in several Romanian counties, the press informed the public about the dangers and traffic restrictions imposed due to reduced visibility (ProTV, Mediafax, News.ro)Top entities frequently mentioned in the news:
- Nicușor Dan
- Nicolae Ciucă
- Marcel Ciolacu
- George Simion
- Gigi Becali