Several hundred people gathered on Sunday evening in Victory Square, in Bucharest, to show their support for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, just two days before Parliament was set to vote on the motion of no confidence against the Government. A large-scale rally also took place in Oradea.
Flags of Romania and the EU, messages of support and anticorruption
The protesters in Victory Square came with flags of Romania and the European Union, as well as placards with messages of support for the Prime Minister and calls to combat corruption. Messages such as „Romania needs Ilie Bolojan” and „Stop corruption” were among those displayed in the square.
Participants stated that they support both the current government and the pro-European direction of the country. Some explained that they took to the streets to send a clear signal in favor of reforms and the fight against corruption, while others emphasized that they do not necessarily support a person, but rather the idea of change and "cleanliness" in politics.
A participant stated that being present in the square is a call for responsibility and for taking a clear direction in politics. She said she expected stronger support for anticorruption policies and for the government.
Another person at the protest explained that she came with her daughter to show her "what civic spirit and democracy mean," emphasizing the importance of involvement in public life.
Ana Blandiana at the rally: "No one has an interest in this motion passing"
Writer Ana Blandiana also participated in the Sunday evening rally in Victory Square and sent a strong message to the parliamentarians. She stated that "no one has an interest in this motion passing" and emphasized that the current situation goes beyond usual political stakes.
"They have the chance to prove and be believed that they care about the country. Because this time, it's really not about the difference between their parties, but about the country itself. To the extent that they do not understand this, they have no right to be there," Blandiana said.
The writer added that the current moment represents a rare opportunity for the political class to regain public trust and warned that blocking the government's functioning would be a major mistake. "It is clear that there is no idea of what you do instead, of what you do without Bolojan. And the fact that Bolojan exists is actually a stroke of luck," she stated.
When asked what message she conveys to Romanians by attending the rally, Ana Blandiana said that in a society that would correctly understand patriotism, "half of the country should be in the city squares across the country." She expressed her hope that the motion would not pass, invoking both political logic and the lack of clear alternatives: "No one has an interest in this motion passing (...) my hope is that it can be allowed to proceed."
Ciprian Ciucu: "Such a person appears very rarely"
The Mayor of Bucharest, Ciprian Ciucu, also attended the rally in support of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and stated that he came to Victory Square to thank those who support the Government's leader.
"I am touched because Romanians have not supported a political figure in a long time, and I believe Ilie Bolojan deserves it. I came here just to thank people for standing by Ilie Bolojan, because he is the Prime Minister that Romanians need at this moment. Such a person appears very rarely. Ilie Bolojan needs our support in as large numbers as possible. Maybe people, maybe the parliamentarians will think twice before throwing Romania into instability," Ciucu said.
Large-scale rally also in Oradea
Approximately 4,000 people gathered on Sunday evening in Unirii Square in Oradea at a rally in support of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, according to organizers.
Participants came with placards and chanted messages in favor of continuing reforms, such as "Bolojan, serious, honest, competent, unstoppable!" or "We support Bolojan's reforms!"
In the crowd were groups of citizens from the county, along with liberal mayors and PNL parliamentarians, as well as local party leaders. The President of Bihor County Council, Mircea Mălan, spoke of a "struggle between two worlds" – one oriented towards responsibility and results, and another dominated by political interests.
He criticized the motion of no confidence initiative, which he called "a very big mistake" and "a totally ill-timed decision," arguing that Romanians have nothing to gain from the current political crisis.
Oradea's Mayor, Florin Birta, stated that the support for Bolojan starts from the city where he "has shown that, through correct and predictable administration, you can change things."
The event lasted about an hour and ended without incidents.
Ilie Bolojan: "I understand this support as one for the modernization of Romania"
On Sunday evening, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan thanked his supporters, both those present in the streets and those online, emphasizing that he sees this mobilization as a signal for the direction the country should take.
"I thank those who today, in the squares and online, supported me. As I said, I understand this support as one for the modernization of Romania, a country without privileges, with an efficient state that respects its citizens. Respect for Romania!" Bolojan conveyed.
Rallies organized amid political tensions
The rallies took place in a tense political moment, as on Tuesday the motion of no confidence initiated by PSD and AUR is set to be voted on against the Bolojan Government. Participants expressed their desire for Romania to maintain its pro-European course and avoid political derailments.
Although some of those present explicitly expressed their support for the Prime Minister, others insisted that the rally is more about the country's direction than about a specific individual.