Romanian PM Asks Interior Minister To Deal With Violent Protesters

Igas presented Monday, during the meeting of the ruling coalition, a report on the material damages and the people hurt during the anti-government protests staged over the past two days.

The protests were sparked on Thursday by the resignation of Dr. Raed Arafat from the position of deputy secretary of state in the Health Ministry, due to his opposition to a new healthcare bill and perceived pressure from higher state officials, including President Traian Basescu.

Small marches in support of Arafat and criticizing Basescu and the Government had taken place in various cities on Thursday and Friday. Eventually, the protests turned against the government's policies - cuts in salaries and welfare benefits, higher taxes - as well as the widespread corruption.

There were scuffles between protesters and security forces in the University Square Saturday and Sunday evening. Some demonstrators threw stones or firecrackers, and gendarmes answered with force, in some cases using tear gas; 29 people were detained for violence Saturday. Most of the scuffles occurred in tight places where security and protesters were piled together, with little room for movement, raising the tension.

According to emergency rescue service SMURD and the Bucharest ambulance service, about 51 people were injured in the clashes Sunday and 19 people were taken to hospital.

Romanian riot police spokesman Florin Hulea told a news conference Monday ten gendarmes needed medical care following scuffles on Sunday evening. Two of them have been hospitalized, as they suffered severe injuries.

According to Hulea, protests were staged in 34 counties and in Bucharest. Except for the capital city, all protests were peaceful, he added.

Bucharest mayor Sorin Oprescu inspected the scene of protests Sunday night, after demonstrations ended, and said damages spread on six kilometers, from the University Square to Tineretului Park.

Interior Ministry spokesman Marius Militaru said Sunday night 40 aggressors were identified and conveyed to police stations.

The healthcare bill put forward for public debate in late December was withdrawn on the request of Basescu Friday evening, after popular demonstrations against it.

Boc said Sunday the ruling coalition will discuss developing a new bill on healthcare reform, which will not shut down or privatize the emergency services.

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