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Alison Mutler

Romanian President Traian Basescu, right, watches Prime Minister designate Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, left, currently the head of Romania's foreign intelligence service, deliver a speech, in Bucharest, Romania, Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. The announcement follows the resignation of former Premier Emil Boc and his government.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Romania's government collapses after protests

Last updated Monday, February 6, 2012 - 3:00pm

BUCHAREST, Romania -- Romania's government collapsed Monday following weeks of protests against austerity measures, the latest debt-stricken government in Europe to fall in the face of raising public anger over biting cuts.

Financial crisis, Financial protests, Protests, Romania, Europe, European Union, International Read more Comments

Still image from video shows former Costa Concordia crew member Domnica Cemortan gesturing during a television interview recorded on January 17, 2012 in Chisinau. Cemortan, who happened to be onboard the cruise ship during the disaster off the coast of Tuscany last Friday, defended the captain's action in the interview. Photograph by: Zhurnal Tv via Reuters Tv, Reuters

Woman with Italian ship captain defends his effort

Alison Mutler, Nicole Winfield The Associated Press

Last updated Friday, January 20, 2012 - 11:14am

ROME -- A young Moldovan woman who says she was called to the bridge of the stricken Costa Concordia to help evacuate Russian passengers defended the embattled captain on Thursday, saying he worked tirelessly and "saved over 3,000 lives."

Costa Concordia, Cruise ship, Cruise ship captain, Cruise ship sinking, Sinking, International Read more Comments

Vadim Ghirda/The Associated Press
Romanian Bratara Buzea, 63, who was imprisoned for witchcraft under communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's repressive regime, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania's witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming.

Curses! Romania's witches forced to pay income tax

Alison Mutler, The Associated Press

Last updated Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - 7:06pm

MOGOSOIA, Romania -- Everyone curses the tax man, but Romanian witches angry about having to pay up for the first time are planning to use cat excrement and dead dogs to cast spells on the president and government.

Also among Romania's newest taxpayers are fortune tellers -- but they probably should have seen it coming.

Superstitions are no laughing matter in Romania -- the land of the medieval ruler who inspired the "Dracula" tale -- and have been part of its culture for centuries. President Traian Basescu and his aides have been known to wear purple on certain days, supposedly to ward off evil.

Romanian witches from the east and west will head to the southern plains and the Danube River on Thursday to threaten the government with spells and spirits because of the tax law, which came into effect Jan. 1.

Features, Income tax, International Read more Comments