Romanian government warns against more violence

As anti-austerity protesters turned out in Romania for a fifth day, the government warned that further violence would not be tolerated.

Thousands had been gathering since earlier in the day in Bucharest and other cities, demanding the resignations of the prime minister and the president.

Public sector pay has been cut by 25 per cent; VAT increased by five per cent. Many see little benefit from five years of EU membership.

But the government is focusing on security on the streets.

“I asked police commanders and their officers firmly to respect the law, and I ask everybody who takes part in these events the same thing. We cannot allow a small number of people to turn the country upside down,” said the Interior Minister Traian Igas.

The weekend’s clashes between demonstrators and riot police were the worst Romania had seen in a decade. They left nearly 60 injured and police say nearly 300 face criminal investigations.

But the unrest is still seen as small scale compared to elsewhere in Europe.

Copyright © 2012 euronews