The Romanian government says it will withdraw a controversial decree that would have decriminalised some corruption offences. BBC reports.
Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu said it would be repealed on Sunday.
“I do not want to divide Romania. It can’t be divided in two,” Mr Grindeanu said in a televised statement.
Tens of thousands of flag-waving protesters in central Bucharest cheered his announcement, which came after five consecutive days of demonstrations.
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The protests in the eastern European country against the decree have been the largest since the fall of communism in 1989.
Mr Grindeanu said he “heard and saw many opinions”, including from “the voice of the street”. He said that parliament will now debate a new corruption law.
He added Justice Minister Florin Iordache would take responsibility for the poor communication and confusion around the controversial measure which would have allowed many officials convicted of corruption to leave prison.
Photo credits: Romania Insider