Govt attempt to list some offences as non criminal sparks protests in Romania

An emergency government decree decriminalising a string of corruption offences has sparked massive demonstrations in Romania with thousands taking to the streets to protest the new move.

The streets of Bucharest were filled with protesters on Wednesday evening shouting “Rats” and carried banners that read “The morning shift”, sending a message that the protests will continue until the government resigns.

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If enforced, the decree would, among other things, decriminalise abuse-of-power offences in which the sums involved were less than 200,000 lei ($48,000).

According to reports, the marches against the government’s move followed similar protests a day earlier even as judicial watchdog announces court challenge against the decree.

Even lawmakers were not left out as parliament opened for its first regular session of the year, with USR lawmakers parading banners that read “Shame” while other opposition deputies shouted “Resignation” and “Thieves”.

 

 

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