Tensions continue to boil in Romania, with the country’s political system in deadlock.
Tensions continue to boil in Romania, with the country’s political system in deadlock.
Rival demonstrators – both for and against the government – have been out in force to demand change.
This after a controversial decree on corruption, which sparked international criticism.
The protests are the biggest in the country since the fall of communism.
One protester told Euronews: “I don’t trust the government. They are saying they are doing one thing, but they are doing another thing. So until we actually see that, they are doing what they promised, we will be here.”
Another added: “We are here because we want a better nation. We want justice to be applied, we want our rights to be listened to and respected.”
A third demonstrator said: “Here, we are not in this square for salaries or for pensions, we are here for a principle, we are here for an idea. And when an idea unites all of us around one idea, we are very strong.”
This is how we roll in #Romania.We stand for rule of law and fight against corruption. And we never, ever give up! #protests#bucharestpic.twitter.com/7AiYnw3Mf5
— Ciobanu Gabriela (@GabrielaCiobanu) 3 February 2017
The decree – now revoked – would have effectively protected dozens of public officials from prosecution for graft. It is a move widely seen as reversing Romania’s bid to wipe out endemic corruption.
Supporters of the government have spent the last few days surrounding the residence of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
Iohannis had encouraged anti-corruption protesters to demonstrate in the centre of Bucharest and lambasted the government for proposing the bill.
Government backers have shouted for Romania to “Wake Up” and accuse the president of paying the protesters.
