Romania Activists Plan Protests on National Day

Romanian activists braced on Friday for renewed anti-corruption protests, as authorities readied to mark the country's national day with military parades in several cities.

Three different protests were announced on social media in Bucharest, two scheduled to take place during the military parade, with activists demanding that politicians sentenced for corruption should be banned from the event organized by the Ministry of Defence and the presidency.

"We're demanding our country back! #nextlevel," activists calling for a protest at 9am at Bucharest's Arch of Triumph said on Facebook.

"It's time to honour our heroes. To remember the sacrifices of our soldiers. To honour, once more, as we did every night we took to the streets, the flag of this nation and its importance in history and this country's conscience. It's December 1, our national day. We don't want to be ruled by thieves," the message added.

Another protest was scheduled for 10am under the slogan "Bucharest: No criminal politicians at the military parade."

"We don't want politicians investigated for corruption to take part in the military parade on Romania's national day in Bucharest! We do not accept you on this special day for Romania! You will be booed by Romanians who work for the country! You robbed and destroyed the country! You will pay for this!" activists declared in a Facebook post.

A third protest is scheduled for Friday evening in front of the government headquarters under the slogan "Romania is dying."

The military parade in Bucharest is scheduled to start at 10am Bucharest time, with both President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Mihai Tudose present.

The two leaders of the government coalition, the President of the Chamber of Deputies Liviu...