Romanian Interior Minister Wants Thorough Report On Police Unionists’ Unauthorized Protest

The minister said a special team was set up to run investigations into the protests that took place outside the Presidential Palace on September 24, when thousands of police unionists staged an unsanctioned rally. He said he expects to receive a report on the matter next week, adding that the report will also be forwarded to President Traian Basescu.

Nearly 8,000 people, including thousands of police officers and prison guards, gathered outside the presidential palace in Bucharest last week. They had started their demonstration at the Government's headquarters but left after two hours for the presidential palace, in an unauthorized march, where they threw bottles, candles and police hats and demanded the president come out and solve their claims.

Following the protest, Basescu and Prime Minister Emil Boc announced they no longer wish to be escorted by Interior Ministry personnel. The president said police officers undermined the state's authority and its institutions, and highlighted that the only protesters who breached the law during rallies staged last week were the ministry's employees. He also said gendarmes who were supposed to apply the law, negotiated it with demonstrators.

Interior Minister Vasile Blaga resigned Monday, amid tensions raised by the unsanctioned protest march, and was replaced by Traian Igas.

Basescu said Monday that he expects the Government's report regarding the unauthorized protest march of police workers. The report should have been presented Thursday, at the meeting of the Supreme Defense Council.

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