New Justice Decrees Reignite Romania’s Anti-Corruption Protests

Romanians took to the streets in several cities across the country on Sunday evening to protest against new justice decrees passed by the Social Democrat-led government that they say undermine several anti-corruption institutions.

Under the name "Repeal it and leave!", the protests took place in the capital, Bucharest, but also in the towns of Cluj, Sibiu, Timisoara, Brasov and others.

Photo: Alexandru Busca/Inquam Photos
Photo: George Calin/Inquam Photos

Several politicians from the newly formed opposition alliance, comprising the Save Romania Union and former prime minister Dacian Ciolos' PLUS, also joined the protest.

Romanians took to the streets again after Justice Minister Tudorel Toader last Tuesday announced a new decree changing the rules on naming top prosecutors.

It also boosted the power of a newly established special department that investigates magistrates, widely seen as subordinated to the ruling party.

Photo: George Calin/Inquam Photos
Photo: Alexandru Busca/Inquam Photos

The decree, which had not been flagged on the cabinet meeting agenda, has outraged magistrates, concerned that many important investigations will be blocked, but also the Romanian President, Klaus Iohannis.

The European Commission has said in a statement that it is following developments with concern.

On Friday hundreds of prosecutors protested in front of courts across the country.

Photo: Alexandru Busca/Inquam Photos

They also announced that they plan to suspend their legal activity next week, and will follow the Polish protest model and only attend trials for urgent cases which involve arrests.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Toader on Thursday night said he plans to start procedures to replace Attorney...