Several hundred protesters present in Victory Square in Bucharest on Monday cheered, breached the gendarmes’ fences, and attacked law enforcement forces following President Klaus Iohannis’ announcement of his resignation.
Călin Georgescu’s supporters clashed with the gendarmes, removed the metal panel device, and blocked the road.
Later, attempting to advance towards the Government building, they threw firecrackers and smoke bombs at the gendarmes.
The gendarmes used tear gas against them. Additionally, they identified and removed several individuals from the crowd for committing criminal and contraventional acts.
"Due to the fact that the protesters repeatedly breached the gendarmes' device on the Victoria Palace sidewalk, irritant-tear gases from law enforcement equipment were used. We highlight that the protesters threw pyrotechnic materials (firecrackers and smoke bombs) at law enforcement forces," stated the Capital Gendarmerie.
A Polish citizen was identified by the gendarmes, carrying a knife.
"The gendarmes identified a 36-year-old Polish man at the public gathering, carrying a knife. Moreover, he disrupted public order and destroyed a metal panel of the Gendarmerie," informed the Capital Gendarmerie.
Authorities urge for calm: "We appeal for calm and mutual respect. Unfortunately, there is an attempt to break the gendarmes' cordon again. Appeal to those in the square - separate yourselves from those inciting violence."
The protest in front of the Government is illegal, with traffic in the area being blocked by protesters.
The gendarmes unsuccessfully tried to engage in dialogue with the protesters.
The first scuffle erupted right when Klaus Iohannis announced his resignation from the position of President of Romania.
"At this moment, the gendarmes, through dialogue teams and specific public order devices, guide the participants towards the center of Victory Square for their safety, traffic, and the safety of other citizens. We emphasize that this demonstration did not comply with the current legal framework provisions regarding the declaration and organization of public gatherings," initially informed the Capital Gendarmerie.
It is worth noting that today is also the day of the big boycott. Călin Georgescu called on Romanians to boycott supermarkets from February 10-16 and to do their shopping at local markets and stores.
His gesture was followed by other extremist leaders, led by George Simion.
They claim falsely that major supermarket chains declare zero profit and do not promote Romanian producers.
Following Georgescu's call to boycott supermarkets, an anti-boycott mobilization was initiated.