No witchcraft on TV
The week's news at a glance.
Bucharest, Romania
Gypsy sorceresses are protesting the Romanian Audiovisual Board’s decision this week to ban television advertising of “occult practices,” the French daily Le Monde reported. Witches are frequent guests on Romanian talk shows and have long been political advisers. Communist-era dictator Nicolae Ceausescu often consulted with Mother Vermin, Romania’s most famous Gypsy witch, who predicted his violent death. But sorceresses have only recently begun advertising on TV in the manner of the Psychic Friends Network. Rodica, a daughter of Mother Vermin, is leading a lobbying effort to preserve this new capitalist right. “We have been hunted since the Inquisition,” Rodica said. “It’s because the popes envy our powers.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 precariously peaceful cartoons about the Gaza ceasefire
Cartoons Political cartoonists on the chance for peace in the Middle East
-
Is New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s plan for free buses realistic?
Talking Points A transit innovation or a costly mistake
-
5 side hustle ideas to supplement your budget
the explainer Almost two-thirds of Americans are looking to get a second job in the next year