A woman, wrapped in a European Union flag takes part in a demonstration against judicial changes in Bucharest, Romania, February 24, 2019. Inquam Photos/George Calin via Reuters
Romanians took to the streets on Sunday evening in Bucharest and other cities to protest controversial legal changes approved by the government earlier this week that experts say will block courts and weaken a fight against corruption.
Crowds gathered in front of the government building in the Romanian capital, with Digi24 TV estimating the number at 5,000. Hundreds more protested in the cities of Cluj, Iasi and Timisoara, shouting slogans criticizing the ruling coalition and supporting judges and prosecutors.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila’s cabinet passed a bill Tuesday to limit the power of the prosecutor general, give more sway to a newly established body that investigates magistrates and prevent interim appointments for chief prosecutor positions. The move triggered a new warning about democratic backsliding from the European Union.
