Romania in turmoil as strikes bite

The Romanian government was thrown into turmoil yesterday by public strikes against cuts, as the interior minister resigned, the opposition demanded the prime minister go too and top police officials held emergency talks with the president.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Sep 2010, 21:16 BST
Updated 27th Sep 2010, 21:16 BST

The chaos reflected social fallout from the sharp wage cuts, tax rises and other austerity measures the government has taken to fight its budget deficit amid a deep recession.

President Traian Basescu's government has been unable to pay wages and pensions without a 20 billion euro (17bn) bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund and other lenders, and the IMF is demanding strong action to trim Romania's debt.

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Romanians took to the streets of Bucharest, the capital, several times last week to protest. Some 6,000 police angry over a 25 per cent wage cut marched to the presidential palace on Friday and pelted it with eggs."

Yesterday Interior Minister Vasile Blaga said the protesting officers had staged an illegal action and "forgot the oath they swore". Mr Blaga, a close ally of Mr Basescu, resigned, calling the move "one of honour".

Later, Mr Blaga, Romania's top police chief and the head of its anti-riot police all held an emergency meeting with Mr Basescu.

The Romanian president had dismissed his police protection in response to Friday's protest, which he said had undermined state authority. Prime Minister Emil Boc followed suit. Both are now relying instead on security paid for by the presidential budget, one of the few not reduced in the cuts.

Related topics:International Monetary Fund