The Observer, in short

Lead article Pleading for a democratic dialogue, Ovidiu Simonca discusses Romania’s relationship with the Moldavian Republic, which needs to develop beyond President Vladimir Voronin’s rather fixed ideas. Politics Sabina Fati compares the French commune of Donzy with Transylvania here in Romania. Both are political bellwethers and thus likely to predict electoral outcomes. Ciprian Ciucu comments on the acute conflict between President Traian Basescu and Prime-Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. He concludes that the alliance PNL-PD (National Liberal Party and Democratic Party) is maimed, as is the institution of government. Claudia V. Sosa talks about the Romanians nostalgia for an enlightened despot, often projected onto the person of the President by the masses—and by noted political analysts/journalists. Sosa concludes that this psychological displacement generates a false image of the President’s role and leads to poor use of political power. Latest cultural events Adina Dinitoiu interviews Jacques Jouet, French poet and novelist, member of Oulipo Group (Ouvroir de Littérature Potentielle). Jouet was present in Romania for the Printemps des poètes (The Poets’ Spring) project, initiated in France in 1998 and on-going in 61 countries. The project gives rise to poetry readings, meetings, conferences, exhibitions and competitions in reading and creative writing. Debate Cultural Observer […]