Romanians Try To Hold Their Government Accountable
Thousands of people were in the streets over the weekend in Romania, protesting the recent moves of their government to decriminalize some corruption offenses.
Its estimated that there might have been at least half a million protesters who were out there. Many of them say that they are adamant about continuing to pressure the government to reverse their decision on the nation's corruption laws.
On Sunday afternoon, the government decided to withdraw the ordinance that it had recently introduced and the PM also demanded a report from the justice minister over the incident. The move comes after pressure from hundreds of thousands of citizens across the nation, protesting in the streets, online, and elsewhere. The bill, if passed, would've offered protection for politicians so that they couldn't have been prosecuted over charges of corruption.
There is a widespread amount of distrust and it's going to take a lot for the people to believe that legitimate moves have been made to reverse the controversial decision. Some suggest that they might not just take the word of a government-issued statement over the matter.
Many have labelled the current president a traitor and they will be watching closely to see what comes of the promise to scrap the plans for this bill. The next step for the controversial legislation is to head to the Constitutional Court this week where it will receive a ruling over its legality.
It's sad that hundreds of thousands of people need to take to the street in the middle of the night, to try and remind their representatives to follow the law; in not violating the authority they've been trusted with. But it is inspiring to see people come together peacefully to try and initiate change.
Pics:
CNN
Gabriel P News Agency/Getty Images
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/05/world/europe/romania-protests-corruption-sorin-grindeanu.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/05/europe/romania-protests-corruption/
http://www.euronews.com/2017/02/05/rallies-in-romania-despite-repeal-of-contentious-corruption-decree
The UK should be doing the same
And so we should.
round the world
We should all go on strike
Yes. We need.
Wake up people! damn corrupt politicians.
The Western pop should take a leaf out of Romania's book! So many engaged citizens! I'm guessing Romania doesn't have a Super Bowl...
We all need to rise up!
Good report that summarizes the developing situation well.
Corruption is an often overlooked factor when discussing politics - just like cars and obesity - It is often seen as some kind of necessity or natural force.
After this I have a very, very great respect for the Romanians.
Half a million is a lot of people. I search and concluded population of Bucharest is 2 million. Though many of them will probably be from out of town but if not, it's one quarter.
#OpRomania Engaged
Deservedly so... the corrupt Romanian Government run by Mafia, it is too late to expect us.
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