Maria Grapini, favorite for the top position at ARIS

According to government sources for Business Standard yesterday, “Maria Grapini is a favorite at the moment for the management of ARIS.” “Maria Grapini has the highest chances to be appointed President of ARIS, but there are other options, which will be analyzed in the coalition. By next week, we hope to finalize the situation of all agencies,” said the Social Democratic (PSD) officials,. PSD is part of the ruling coalition, along with the Democratic Liberal Party (PDL). Furthermore, PSD and the Conservative Party (PC) had common candidates at the general elections last year.

According to the latest available information, former Minister of Economy Codrut Seres was initially eyed to head this institution. Grapini confirmed yesterday for Business Standard that inside the Conservative Party (PC), whose member she is, there have been talks regarding the takeover of a management positions in ARIS and said she would be honoured to receive such asn offer.

Foreign investment dropped significantly in last year’s final months, to €400 million in December from €963 mln in October, due to the mistrust of investors in the perspectives of the Romanian economy, according to a report by the Ministry of Public Finance. The National Prognosis Commission forecasts foreign investments worth €4.7 billion in 2009, and €5.4 bln in 2010. (S.D.,M.B.,V.D.)