0 La Puterea 2017: A Romanian Protest Movement
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A Brief Overview
In 2017, Romania witnessed a massive wave of protests, known as "0 la Puterea" or "Zero to Power," which shook the country's political landscape. The movement emerged as a response to the government's attempts to amend the criminal code, which many saw as an attempt to shield corrupt politicians from prosecution.
The Trigger: Governmental Corruption
The protests were sparked by the Socialist Democratic Party (PSD) government's efforts to pass an emergency ordinance (OUG 13/2017) that would have decriminalized certain corruption offenses. The move was seen as a blatant attempt to protect high-ranking officials from accountability, including the PSD leader, Liviu Dragnea, who was facing corruption charges at the time.
The Protests Erupt
On February 1, 2017, thousands of Romanians took to the streets in Bucharest and other major cities, demanding the repeal of the ordinance and greater transparency in government. The protests, which were largely peaceful, saw people from all walks of life, including students, professors, workers, and retirees, unite against government corruption.
Demands and Slogans
The protesters had several key demands, including:
- The repeal of OUG 13/2017
- The resignation of the PSD government
- Anti-corruption reforms
- Greater transparency in government
Some of the popular slogans chanted during the protests included:
- "0 la puterea!" (Zero to Power)
- "Down with the thieves!"
- "We want justice, not corruption!"
Impact and Aftermath
The protests led to the withdrawal of the emergency ordinance, and the government was forced to reconsider its approach to anti-corruption reforms. Although the protests did not lead to an immediate change in government, they marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with many Romanians becoming more engaged in political activism.
The movement also led to the establishment of various civil society organizations and advocacy groups, dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in government.
International Support
The protests received widespread international support, with leaders from the European Union, the United States, and other countries expressing solidarity with the Romanian people.
Conclusion
The "0 La Puterea" movement was a powerful expression of the Romanian people's demands for transparency, accountability, and an end to government corruption. Although the journey towards a more just and transparent society is ongoing, the protests marked an important milestone in Romania's fight against corruption.
