In January 2017, days after the government of the Grindeanu Cabinet was sworn into office in Romania, protests took place throughout the country against … bills that were proposed by the Romanian Ministry of Justice regarding the pardoning of certain committed crimes, and the amendment of the Penal Code of Romania …

Opponents raised accusations that the ordinance was intended for decriminalisation of government corruption, and to help hundreds of current and former politicians to escape ongoing criminal investigations or prison sentences. …

… peak on 5 February when between 500,000 and 600,000 people protested throughout the country, thus making them the largest in Romania’s history.

So far, protestors have succeeded in compelling the government to withdraw the contested ordinance (subject to approval from the Romanian parliament), and Florin Iordache, who as justice minister was formally responsible for putting forward the ordinance, has resigned over the scandal that ensued. …

2017 Romanian protests