Thousands of Romanians have protested against draft government decrees that would pardon hundreds of criminals and decriminalise corruption offences, The Financial Times reported on Monday.

Critics say the ordinances could cripple Romania’s fight against corruption, which is the most wide-ranging crackdown on graft in central and eastern Europe. 

President Klaus Iohannis was among an estimated 20,000 who demonstrated in Bucharest against the proposals. “People have a right to be outraged as a gang of politicians facing criminal problems want to change the legislation and weaken the rule of law,” Iohannis told protesters on Sunday night. “It’s unacceptable to change laws just to close files on hundreds of politicians who are in trouble with the law.” 

The political clashes come against the backdrop of an accelerating anti-corruption campaign that has convicted thousands for corruption. Romania still reports the highest levels of petty bribery in the EU, according to Transparency International. 

The newly elected government published the draft decrees last week, arguing that changes were necessary to reform the criminal code and reduce overcrowding in prisons. However, analysts say the changes would affect less than 10 per cent of the prison population. The measures, which are open to consultation for 10 days, include decriminalizing abuse of power that causes financial damage worth less than 200,000 lei ($47,500).

Source: MENA