Europe

Romania: 13th day of govt protests draw tens of thousands

Associated Press
Published | Updated

A masked protester holds a banner during a demonstration in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (The Associated Press)

People light the flashes of their mobile phones in the colors of Romania's flag during an anti-government protest in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. Protesters braved freezing temperatures gathering outside the government headquarters for the 13th consecutive day to demand the government's resignation after it passed a decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) (The Associated Press)

Demonstrators hold banners depicting the head of the ruling Social Democrat party Liviu Dragnea during an anti-government protest in Bucharest, Romania, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017. Protesters braved freezing temperatures gathering outside the government headquarters for the 11th consecutive day to demand the government's resignation.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) (The Associated Press)

Protesters numbering in the tens of thousands have gathered outside the Romanian government's offices to demand the resignation of the East European country's leadership.

The people massed in Victory Square on Sunday represented the 13th consecutive day of anti-government demonstrations in Bucharest. They later formed a huge human Romanian flag.

Thousands also protested in the cities of Cluj, Sibiu, Iasi, and Timisoara.

The protests started last month when the center-left government passed an emergency ordinance that would have watered down laws that punish official corruption.

Premier Sorin Grindeanu withdrew the decree after the biggest street protests since communism ended in 1989. The justice minister resigned last week over widespread public anger.

The protesters on Sunday are demanding a new government and a new style of governance in Romania.