Romania Cabinet Won’t Quit as Protests Ease After U-Turn
- Seventh day of protests sees turnout falling after record
- Government Sunday reversed steps seen as harming graft fight
Romania’s government defied calls to resign as its decision to scrap measures easing the nation’s anti-corruption laws failed to fully stem the largest protests since the fall of communism.
Ruling-party leader Liviu Dragnea reiterated support for the cabinet on Monday after Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu said the only democratic way to change government is through a no-confidence motion this week in parliament, where his Social Democrats dominate. Reversing plans to pardon some convicted officials and shield others from future prosecution and Grindeanu’s pledge to change justice minister, helped ease some of the people’s anger. A seventh consecutive day of protests on Monday saw a lower turnout after a record 600,000 on Sunday. About 10,000 people gathered in Bucharest with thousands others in cities across the country.