Supermarket Protest in Romania Triggers Counter-Movement
A consumer boycott targeting large retail chains is gaining traction in Romania, mirroring similar price-related protests in other Balkan countries
Thousands took to the streets of Romania on Tuesday evening after the government decided to change criminal legislation by emergency ordinance, local media report.
In a cabinet meeting, ministers unexpectedly added the item to the agenda, day ahead of schedule, according to Romania Insider.
The newly adopted legislation redefined "abuse of power", turning any case relating to damages of EUR 44 000 or less wil not be tantamount to a criminal offence.
The development, which will affect more than 2100 cases under investigation, occurred as several former state officials from the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), including its current leader Liviu Dragnea, are facing criminal prosecution over abuse of power. Some of their cases are will now not be classified as criminal ones.
The protests included nearly all key cities such as the capital Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brasov, and Iasi.
Participants called for the resignation of the government.
Despite the demonstrations, the emergency legislation was published in the country's Official Gazette at 01:00 local time (EET). Amendments will take effect into ten days.
On Facebook, President Klaus Iohannis condemned the move as a "blow to the rule of law" and has vowed to "do everything" to turn Romania into a country freed from corruption.
A boycott of major retail chains in Croatia has led to an estimated loss of 80 million euros
Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has once again called for Republika Srpska to separate from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski raised questions in parliament about the inclusion of Bulgarians in North Macedonia's constitution while there is no similar requirement for Albania
Konstantinos Tasoulas has been elected as the new president of Greece
Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation on Monday, February 10, stating that he was stepping down to prevent the political crisis that would follow his possible suspension by Parliament
Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, leading the Self-Determination Movement (Vetevendosje), has secured a victory in the country's recent parliamentary election.
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