The mainly peaceful protests erupted throughout the country a day after Prime Minister Victor Ciorbea announced a list of 17 plants suffering chronic losses to be closed down rapidly at the urging of the International Monetary Fund.
Up to 5,000 shouting protesters gathered outside the town hall in the oil-producing town of Ploiesti, 60 kilometers north of Bucharest, where refineries are slated for closure.
"Traitors, traitors!" "You sold us to the IMF!" protesters shouted.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.