Romanian Interior Ministry Says Police Strike Is Uncalled-For

"The Romanian Ministry of Interior and Administrative Reform expresses its surprise regarding the announcement in which police officers within the National Union of Police Officers and Contract Staff continue protests, since the ministry has already completed amendments to the law on the Statute of police officers and carried out sincere, open and constructive talks with the protesters lately,” said a press release issued by the Ministry of Interior.

“As for the claims of the protesters, they have either been solved, or, after talks, solutions have been found for them, an aspect confirmed on April 9 by the Central Executive Office within the union," the document states.

Therefore, the Ministry sees as unjustified the police officers’ protest and asks them to “deeply consider this decision, including in the general context of the rights and statute of other professional categories within the public sector.”

The ministry said that on April 7 the main claim of the protesters was solved through the completion and submission for public debate of the draft law amending the police officer’s Statute.

As for harsher sanctions against outrage – another protester claim – the ministry states that an analysis will be conducted at the General Police Inspectorate (IGPR), and the result will be made available for the state institutions able to operate changes in the Criminal Code.

The president of the union, Liviu Butunoi, told MEDIAFAX that the protesters demand the amendment of the legislation, so that outrage sanctions require a simpler procedure.

He added that the list of claims includes life insurance for the officers, in accordance with current legislation.

The union leader said he is also displeased with the fact that the hierarchy quotients have not been increased in police forces, which leads to specialists leaving the ministry. Butunoiu added that he wants this quotient to be “harmonized” and to go from 2.10 to 2.90, "like in the Ministry of Defense."

He also said there are not enough money for medicine and medical assistance for police officers and contract staff, asking the Ministry of Finance to "increase the Ministry of Interior’s budget for material expenses."