Romania: Anti-corruption protest in Bucharest Nov. 5

Event

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Bucharest and other Romanian cities on Sunday, November 5, to denounce a bill that would allow the justice minister to appoint and dismiss state prosecutors, as well as weaken the power of the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office. The government claims the aim of the proposed law is prevent the judicial sector from pursuing a politically motivated agenda; critics worry it will undermine efforts to root out corruption. Further protests are possible.

Context

Public outrage erupted in February 2017 after the government ratified an emergency decree allowing certain corruption offences to be decriminalized. This sparked the biggest protests seen in the country since the fall of communism in 1989. At least half a million Romanians took to the streets, forcing the government to eventually repeal the ordinance and the justice minister to resign.

Advice

Individuals present in Romania are advised to avoid demonstrations as a precaution and to keep abreast of the situation.