Romanian Workers Protest Reforms

BUCHAREST -- Thousands of Romanian workers began a week-long antigovernment street protest Tuesday against plunging living standards and sluggish economic reforms. Some 10,000 trade unionists chanted "thieves, thieves" and handed out leaflets saying "How long shall we starve?" to back demands for protection from near 300 percent inflation. Prime Minister Nicolae Vacaroiu, saying the action would destabilize the country, warned Monday that he would deploy 10,000 anti-riot troops to prevent trouble, but in general the protest seemed orderly and well-stewarded. About 1,500 miners in pit helmets were among protesters who filled Bucharest's Aviator Square for the rally which began four years to the day after the bloody 1990 coalminers' crackdown of President Ion Iliescu.Then, about 20,000 miners invaded Bucharest and smashed an anti-communist protest movement in violence that killed at least six people. "Down Iliescu, down Vacaroiu, down with the government," the protesters chanted. Protesters demanded 50 percent pay rises, compensation payments for price increases and a review of wage differentials.