Romanian Crisis

For most of the past week Romanian's by the thousands have taken to the streets to protest against austerity moves made by the government. The latest ignition for the protests was the forced resigning of the popular Raed Arafat, who had been fighting extremely unpopular government health care reforms. Unfortunately now the protests have turned violent with both police and protestors taking injuries. Prime Minister Emile Boc warned that violence would not be tolerated.

Bucharest, the largest city and capital, has the been main focus for the protests demanding President Traian Basescu step down from power and that new elections be granted. Basescu's government has been unpopular since taking power in 2004. They've gained in strength since 2009 when an agreement was signed with the European Union, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank for a loan of $27.5 billion. Part of the agreement was reducing wages by twenty five percent and increased taxes.

Because of the austerity measures, many Romanians have been unable to find work, seeking employment in other countries. The measures have broken up the country's society, with too many leaving families behind and sending what money they can back to them. Also struck by the measures were pensions, leaving many retirees financially stranded. The Romanian economy has been all but crippled by them, with no change really in sight.