Mass Protest in Bucharest Over 'Ordonanța Trenuleț'

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Translation

Thousands of people are protesting in Bucharest against an economic decree known as "Ordonanța Trenuleț". The protest begins in Constitution Square and moves towards Victory Square. The participants are unhappy with the freezing of wages and income cuts. Authorities are urged to find solutions. The city's traffic is affected by the demonstration.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: Where does the protest begin in Bucharest?

The protest begins in Piața Constituției.

Question 2: What are the participants unhappy about?

Participants are unhappy about the freezing of salaries and income cuts.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌18/01/2025

MASS PROTEST IN BUCHAREST OVER 'ORDONANȚA TRENULEȚ'

On Friday, thousands of individuals, including police officers, army reservists, and public order professionals, came together in Bucharest to protest against the Romanian government's recent economic measures, particularly a decree known as “Ordonanța Trenuleț.” The demonstration, spanning from midday to late afternoon, effectively immobilised parts of the capital city, as participants voiced their frustration over fiscal cutbacks affecting their income stability and employment incentives.

The protest originated in Piața Constituției and proceeded towards Piața Victoriei, passing by several key government institutions including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Organised by various trade union groups associated with national defence and public security, the protest attracted a significant crowd, including police delegations from different regions such as Brăila.

The central grievance revolves around the decree, which enforces salary freezes and halts the payment of overtime, resulting in a significant reduction in take-home pay. Protesters, supported by organised unions, have demanded a return to the salary conditions of November 2024 and the adjustment of military pensions in line with inflation rates. The measures have been criticized for dissuading young recruits from pursuing careers in these vital sectors.

Mass Protest in Bucharest Over 'Ordonanța Trenuleț' (Illustration)

Among the protest's notable attendees, George Simion, a prominent political figure, underscored the importance of protecting democracy and depoliticizing government institutions. He empathized with the public's dissatisfaction over the current political climate and reiterated the protestors' calls for substantive governmental action.

Meanwhile, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu addressed the unrest, expressing regret over the continued protests despite prior discussions with relevant stakeholders, including the Minister of Internal Affairs, Cătălin Predoiu. The Prime Minister emphasized that legislative priorities, including budgetary matters and potential amendments to the controversial decree, will be tackled by the Romanian Parliament after February 3rd.

The protest follows unsuccessful negotiations between trade unions and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighting systemic issues such as inadequate compensation packages and resource constraints within the national security sector. Protest organizers have insisted that failure to meet their demands could incite further protests, with the situation at risk of escalating if solutions are not promptly delivered.

The Bucharest Traffic Brigade was extensively involved in managing the traffic disruptions throughout the day, urging drivers to exercise caution and comply with redirections to facilitate the protest while maintaining public order.

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