Romanian protests will invigorate pro-reform forces
Monday, February 20, 2017
Subject
The political fallout from anti-government demonstrations.
Significance
Popular protests unprecedented in size since the restoration of democracy in 1990 have forced a major government retreat. On February 5, Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu withdrew emergency decrees intended to decriminalise corruption offences and pardon politicians convicted of graft. The ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) is struggling to adapt to the much-altered political landscape.
Impacts
- Fears that Romania is following an East European pattern where dominant parties dismantle checks and balances will be quieted for now.
- Iohannis’s boldness in the crisis will make him a strong counterweight to the PSD.
- Reforms designed to clean up politics will be buttressed by the commitment of Romania’s main Western allies.
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