Rallies Carry on in Romania
Romanians protest against the negligence that led to the Colectiv nightclub tragedy
Roxana Vasile, 09.11.2015, 13:55
The fatal fire at Colectiv nightclub in downtown Bucharest on October 30 and the public outrage that followed it have caused an earthquake in central and local public administration, but the resignation of PM Victor Ponta did not appease the people, who continue to protest in many Romanian cities.
As he had promised, the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis came down on Sunday night in Bucharests University Square, the meeting place of those who want a corruption-free country and politicians who focus on the national interest instead of their own gains. The demands expressed openly for the sixth consecutive night included the replacement of the political elite, early parliamentary elections, the appointment of a technocratic cabinet, or even the resignation of the countrys president.
The presence of Klaus Iohannis in University Square animated the various groups of protesters, who crowded around to talk to the President. Some of them received answers, but most only managed to cry out their disappointment and demands, some of them applauded the President, others booed.
“I want peace and quiet as soon as possible, and I want things to work, as you promised!
“For 26 years a lot of laws were passed in Romania but against Romania and its people. We should cancel all of them and replace them with laws that protect our rights.
“The voices in University Square must be heard, whether they come from the left or the right of the political spectrum. A political solution is needed, and you, as the President, are in a position to make this happen.
After the President left the Square, some protesters gathered in an unplanned debate group:
“Fellows, the greatest evil for the Romanian people is, in my opinion, parliamentary immunity. Moreover, I think a technocratic government for one year would give us a chance to elect good people.
“We must keep in mind that politics works through political parties.
Meanwhile, back to the Presidency headquarters, the head of state posted a message on his Facebook account, stating that what he saw in University Square was a sense of rebellion, but also hope that things can change. The political consultation process initiated by the President last week is yet to generate solutions, as the main parliamentary parties still hesitate to take responsibility for a new government. For the first time in Romania, civil society members were also invited to take part in the talks. Their message was that the current political class has lost its legitimacy and that the new cabinet must be formed of people having no problems with the judiciary.
New talks are scheduled for early this week, in view of solving the political crisis, but the President is also expected to come up with suggestions for a solution.
