Romania Political Crisis Deepens as President Slams Ruling Party

A Romanian holds a sign that reads 'we stand united' during a demonstration of thousands against the Romanian government in Bucharest, Romania, February 6, 2017. REUTERS / Stoyan Nenov

The political turmoil that‘s engulfed Romania deepened as President Klaus Iohannis attacked the ruling party for not doing enough to stem the biggest protests since the fall of communism.

While early elections would be „too much,“ Iohannis told parliament the government‘s reversal of controversial measures seen as weakening anti-corruption efforts and the possible dismissal a minister are „too little.“ Social Democrat leader Liviu Dragnea ruled out seeking a suspension of the president and said he hopes „peace“ can be found. While party lawmakers walked out during Iohannis‘s address, they later approved the 2017 budget.

The president has sided with the hundreds of thousands of protesters who‘ve flooded streets across the European Union and NATO member nation in the biggest display of defiance since the 1989 uprising that ousted dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Before it backtracked, Romania‘s third government in two years had incurred public fury by unexpectedly easing punishments for officials who abuse their positions and seeking to free others from prison.