The Romanian protests: democratic progress or a ride on a rocking horse? EPC Commentary, 27 February 2017

Stratulat, Corina (2017) The Romanian protests: democratic progress or a ride on a rocking horse? EPC Commentary, 27 February 2017. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

Throughout February, the Romanian people received international accolades for vigorously flexing their civic muscle against the government’s attempt to roll back hard-won achievements in the fight against corruption. While other member states in the European Union (EU) are grappling with the threat of illiberal disorder, the decisiveness with which hundreds of thousands of Romanians took to the streets in defence of their country’s anti-graft effort seemed to light a beacon of hope for democratic resilience. But are the Romanian protests really the bearer of good tidings for democracy or mere expressive insurrections sparked by deeper political issues in the country? And what lessons does the recent public outcry in Romania hold for democracy elsewhere, in the EU and the Balkans?

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