Tens of thousands
of Romanians took to the streets last night in Bucharest and other cities, protesting an emergency order that amends the Criminal Code so that penalties for certain crimes are reduced and corruption is
decriminalized. These amendments favor many politicians who were convicted
or are being investigated for corruption. The ordinance was adopted during the night and published in the Official Gazette right
away. The Romanian Superior Council of Magistrates has lodged a complaint to the
Constitutional Court about the act, and the business minister resigned early Thursday.