Pro‑European rally in Bucharest counters extremism and disinformation
In Bucharest, thousands of people gathered at Victory Square. Participants in the demonstration brought European Union flags with them. This was their way of expressing support for democracy and opposition to extremism and Russian-controlled disinformation.
What do you need to know?
- Pro-European gathering took place in Bucharest, attracting several thousand participants who emphasized their commitment to democracy while protesting against Russian disinformation, among other issues.
- The organizers of the “EuRo Manifest” event claimed that 10,000 people participated in the protest, chanting pro-European slogans and singing the anthem of the European Union.
- At the same time, a massive protest was taking place in the Serbian capital.
What slogans appeared during the demonstration?
On Saturday at Victory Square in Bucharest, a pro-European gathering attracted several thousand people. Participants emphasized their commitment to democracy and the desire to combat extremism and Russian disinformation.
“We will not bow our heads to extremism, whether it be fascism, Nazism, terrorism, or any other form of intolerance. We will not allow Russian disinformation and propaganda to poison people’s minds and souls,” wrote the organizers of the “EuRo Manifest” event.
During the gathering, participants chanted pro-European slogans and sang the European anthem, “Ode to Joy.” A heart shape was formed in the square using blue sheets of paper, which were illuminated with phone flashlights.
Banners displayed slogans such as: “Europe unites us, extremism attacks us” and “Democracy, NOT tyranny.”
What is the political background?
The pro-European gathering occurred in the context of the rise of far-right forces in Romania, which hold over 30 percent of the seats in parliament. According to a Sociopol poll, the leader of the far-right AUR, George Simion, enjoys the most support ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in May. “Putin wants to divide us, Europe supports us” was another slogan visible on the banners.
Nearby the pro-European protest, supporters of Calin Georgescu, who espouses nationalist and pro-Russian views, also gathered. However, his candidacy was disqualified from the elections due to allegations of campaign irregularities, including suspected Russian interference.
A restless weekend in the Balkans
At the same time, a massive protest was also underway in the Serbian capital. Thousands of people from across the country, mainly students, descended on Belgrade.
The demonstration was the culmination of months of protests against corruption in the country and against the government of President Aleksandar Vucic.
The Serbian protests began after the collapse of the roof at a railway station, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. This incident is attributed to government corruption and negligence. President Vucic rejected proposals to form a transitional government and accused the West of attempting to overthrow him.
