Referendum can change Romanians' mentality, expert says

The recent spate of street demonstrations across Romania that caused the government to backtrack on a controversial bill that decriminalized several graft offences and shielded dozens of officials from prosecution, coupled with the planned referendum on anti-corruption measures are set to change the public mentality in the country, seen as the most corrupt in the EU.

According to Alina Grigoras Butu, the editor-in chief of the Romania Journal, a English daily, said the referendum will introduce a new mindset among ordinary people while constituting a warning to the political class.

The decision to hold a referendum was taken by center-right President Klaus Iohannis, seen as a leading supporter of the anti-corruption drive, while the controversial bill was the work of the government led by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu from the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD). PSD Chairman Liviu Dragnea was to be one of the beneficiaries of the now withdrawn bill.

Still, neither the date nor the content of the referendum is clear while demonstrations are smaller but continuing. According to a report by Time magazine, between 2014 and 2016, around 2,000 people were convicted for abuse of power in the country. The list included the former prime minister of Romania, Adrian Nastase, as well as five senators, five ministers and 16 parliamentarians who were put on trial.

"The entire civil society, judiciary bodies, NGOs, mass media, other politicians and diplomats argued that these new provisions are mainly dedicated to politicians, to help them escape convictions and get out of prison," said Butu. However, Butu is certain Romanian politicians will from now on think again before trying to pass such laws, while the public feels itself strong enough to take on government corruption.