Romania’s mums protest against benefit cuts

Mothers in Bucharest held a protest yesterday outside Romania’s Labour Ministry against cuts in child benefits.

As part of the government’s planned austerity measures to tackle public spending, child support income is to be slashed by 25 per cent as of June 1.

For many on low wages the reduction represents a a major cut in their family’s annual income and single parents say it is a disaster.

Romania’s government claims the measures are necessary to ensure the continuation of a 20 billion euro aid package led by the International Monetary Fund.

The mothers’ rally marked the beginning of a wave of protests against other proposed government cuts in wages, pensions, and unemployment benefits.

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