Romania graft decree fuels protests

BUCHAREST: Romania’s government is on a high-risk mission: devise a legal and politically acceptable way to remove penalties for some types of official corruption.

First, the government tried to effect the change by imposing an emergency decree. The move backfired, sparking massive demonstrations in the capital of Bucharest and other major cities that caused the government to reverse course.

The standing of the left-leaning government that assumed power two months ago has fallen so quickly that leaders found it necessary to assert they would not resign even as the protests continued. The prime minister says a new proposal will be put before Parliament.

Is there a path for the government to ease corruption rules for public officials? Experts say parliament can indeed pass such a law – and it could take effect if the president signs it – but the political task of winning support is trickier.

Laura Stefan, a Romanian anti-corruption specialist, said the government made a strategic blunder.

It would have tolerated abuse of power by officials – ranging from a mayor to a top government minister – if the amount of graft involved totalled less than about $48 500 (R652 133).

“It’s un-defendable,” Stefan said. “How can you explain to people, who maybe don’t make $50 000 in their lifetime, that it is okay for public officials to misuse their office to obtain less than $50 000 from the state budget.”

Many protesters say they plan to continue nightly demonstrations until the government steps down even though the ordinance has been withdrawn.