Romania: Street protest in Bucharest [Live Coverage]
UPDATE1 – The situation starts to tension: Three people were transported from Piata Victoriei to the Floreasca Emergency Hospital, and another 13 persons are receiving medical care in the first aid tent services, located in the area for emergency situations.
UPDATE2 – 10:25 GMT: Estimation say that over 50,000 people are gathered in Piata Victoriei
UPDATE3 11:00 GMT: Some trade unionists began to leave Piata Victoriei but the majority is staying
30,000 people are already gathered in Piata Victoriei (Victoria Square), dissatisfied with the austerity measures of the government. People say: “You promised us milk and honey and given us redundancy,” “Stop the criminal policies.” Unionists have two tables located in the Square, “the poor’s table” and “rich man’s table.” On the “poor’s table,” they put potatoes and pretzels, while on the rich man’s table they put champagne, watermelon and cake.
“Unions demand the respect of the laws,” said the leader of the Federation of Trade Unions in Education (FSLI), Aurel Cornea.
The protest takes place between 09:00 and 11.00 GMT
Union representatives disagreed with the reduction of salaries and pensions by 25% to 15%, and the amendment of the Labor Code, measures contained in the letter of intent that the government wants to send the IMF. Rally will have the motto “The sentence them: to live if you can,” as organizers have announced five confederations – CNSLR Fellowship, Meridian, Cartel Alfa, National Trade Union Bloc and Democratic Trade Union Confederation of Romania.
Trade unionists hope their protest will convince the executive to give reductions in wages, pensions and social benefits and find other ways to reduce the budget deficit.
Cutting wages, pensions, bonuses and disposal are the main complaints of those who will gather in front of Government. Doctors, teachers, police officers across the country will try to be heard and listen in the hope that these measures, which some will leave with empty pockets every month, will be changed.
The other side, things are already determined and authorities said they will not give back the plan said. Finance Minister Sebastian Vladescu, along with Labour Minister Mihai Seitan stated that from June 1 will receive a salary budgeting 25% less. Not yet known how much pension will be reduced.
Four coaches have come to Bucharest full of miners from Jiu Valley. 300 people are driven by Miron Cozma’s brother, Ioan Cozma. They pledged that their will make a peaceful protest.