Romanians revive antigovernment protests in Bucharest
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 26 February 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Romanians revive antigovernment protests in Bucharest, 26 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a5aa13.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 26, 2017
A protester waves and EU flag at a demonstration in Romania's Victory Square on February 26.
Thousands of Romanians revived their antigovernment protests in Bucharest during the weekend, renewing their demands for the government to step down amid accusations it attempted to weaken laws against official corruption.
Some 3,000 people gathered at Victory Square in front of parliament in Bucharest on February 26, forming a huge European Union flag created out of sheets of paper and cloth.
Demonstrators said their protest signaled their support for the EU and its values.
Protesters also chanted slogans like "Resignation!" and "You thieves."
Police closed roads leading to the square where the government has its offices.
Romanians began nightly protests in early February after Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu signed an emergency decree that would have eased penalties for some official misconduct.
That emergency decree has since been rescinded.
On February 25, thousands of people gathered in southern Romania for a rally in support of Grindeanu's center-right government.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
