So we are out into the streets. The whole world watches us, the international press keeps our story going. Some 
approve, others are trying to better understand why is happening. Why do we protest, what are we protesting about.
Over 60,000 people rallied in the streets of Bucharest on Wednesday evening to protest against the corrupt political system that has led the country in the past 25 years. Thousands also went out in big cities like Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Sibiu, Galati, Constanta, Brasov.
People want to follow better politicians but we lack the right leaders
From Bucharest the protest spread throughout the country. And further on, to Europe. In Paris, Warsaw, London. But it’s a peaceful protest, people gather in solidarity #weareColectiv. The need to consume the tragedy is still alive, fed by the hospital drama of those struggling to survive.
We protest against what we didn’t change since the 89 revolution took place. To shake the numbness we used to live in, the disgust for corruption.
Young people form a common front. They want to be heard, listened to, to be part of the social movement which proves that the choice is theirs, that the vote given last year wasn’t just a worthless stamp. But the leaders are missing, those not tainted by power and easy made money. Dismiss a mayor, you still need another in his place. And none of those who now belong to political parties will fit the profile. There is talk of setting up a party. We also have enough of those. What we lack are good, honest people to be part of the ones we already have. People who will look you in the eye without reaching for bribes.
How were the last four days in Romania?
First full of surprise, shock. Then of horror, anger, rebellion. In the street people are determined to demand justice for the dead and dignity for the living. Some are confused. Others enraged. Ponta and Piedone have resigned but is only now that the real change is about to begin. There are voices crying, claiming, accusing. Still debating the exact target, barely outlining the common goal. The decision to gather in the streets, however, is stable. Violence has long been removed from the equation (as we had enough of it in 89), so there is a peaceful protest today. Whatever slogans may be written on the placards, no matter the way you write them, we are out in the street fighting for the future.
The groups on Facebook are calling for a large rally in Romania on December 1, the country’s national day. Facebook played a crucial role in organizing the people until now and continues to be used as such. On many of the events created, more than 50,000 people are interested in joining. By now, the demands are for a higher budget distributed for healthcare and education, a lower number of Parliament members, finalizing all corruption investigations that target MPs and clearer laws for companies.
What is President Klaus Johannis reaction?
“In order to designate the candidate as Prime Minister, I decided to consult not only the political parties but also the civil society. (…) I have an important message for all those who have been in the street: I saw you, I heard you, I will take into account your requests! ”
There you go, the first step. Now let the journey begin.
Otherwise the country moves forward. For those who find themselves these days in Romania, businessmen or tourists, everything functions on normal schedule. There is no danger of violence on the streets, no discomfort to your normal rutine. The images seen in the media, TV, Facebook show our solidarity, bitterness, pain for the innocents that died. # Colectiv is a rebellion against the corruption that kills. # Colectiv is a fight for the future.
This post is also available in: Romanian
English
Română
RSS