Photo: Cătălin Mărgescu
‘I am joining the Romanian youth in voicing our dissent against the new ordinance to pardon prisoners in the name of easing the overcrowding in prisons. The move by the newly elected populist Social Democrat-led government was an attempt to pass a bill which could exonerate their associates convicted of corruption. This includes the majority party’s leader who already received a two-year suspended jail sentence in a vote-rigging case and other corruption allegations.
Romania saw a massive political awakening among its youth, who took to the streets protesting against the move. I am proud of my fellow Romanian citizens and my friends who joined the protests, fighting for a stronger democracy and better state. I am a bit sad that I could not join the protests this time. Though I was away from my country during the protests, I was constantly updated by my friends and family about the events.
‘I am sad that I could not join the protests’
An informed youth fighting for effective democracy and rule of law is something Romania has been witnessing in recent years. I was active in protesting against the Canadian gold mining in the Rosia Montana in 2013 and 2015. After that event, this protest of 2017 brought people from many walks of life to Bucharest to stand up for good governance.
I wish Romania to have clean politicians who sincerely work for the betterment of the country and its people. Though the current government came to power on a wave of populism, I am confident that the youth of the country are getting stronger to question unethical practices and corruption.’
Andreea Spinu, an MSc student of Forest and Nature Conservation from Romania, comments on recent events in her home country.