Divided Romania: Pro and anti-Government protests continue in Bucharest, other cities

The recent political events in Romania have divided the population. While thousands protested against the Government in Bucharest's Victoriei Square and other large cities for the eighth day in a row, some 2,000 also staged a pro-Government protest in front of the Cotroceni Palace for the third day. Those who protested in Victoriei Square on Tuesday chanted slogans against the Government led by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu, which they say they don’t trust anymore, while those in front of the Cotroceni Palace asked the President’s resignation and chanted slogans against Laura Codruta Kovesi, the head of the National Anticorruption Department (DNA). Anti-Government manifestations also took place in several other cities in Romania on Tuesday, such as Iasi and Cluj. The protests started last Tuesday, after justice minister Florin Iordache said that the Government had adopted an emergency ordinance on amending the Penal Code during the Government meeting held late that day. Although the announcement was made at around 22:00, thousands went in front of the Government building right after the minister’s speech. Massive protests were staged every night since then, with more than half of million Romanians across the country taking to the streets on Sunday, although the Government backed down and repealed the controversial ordinance. The protests are to continue in the coming days, with more massive protests being planned for this weekend. Meanwhile, some supporters of the governing Social Democratic Party (PSD) also gathered for protests in front of the Cotroceni Palace, the official residence of the Romanian President. PSD leader Liviu Dragnea has accused Iohannis of instigating people to protest against the Government and also said that the massive protests were staged by outside forces and supported by local multinationals. However, media reports showed that some of the protesters in front of the Cotroceni Palace were brought from nearby counties by bus. PSD, however, denied any involvement in organizing or supporting the protest. Comment: Why the crowds mass in the square in front of Romania’s Government each night Romanian art critic wants to turn protesters’ signs into an exhibition System of a Down lead vocalist congratulates Romanian protesters Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com