Romania: Three rallies in Bucharest June 9

Event

Authorities in Bucharest have authorized three separate rallies to take place in the city on Saturday, June 9. The far right New Right (Noua Dreaptă) party will hold a march protesting the Bucharest Pride march and the ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) starting at 12:30 (local time) from at Romana Square. Participants will then move through University Square and Unirii Square before the march concludes at the Romanian Patriarch. The 2018 Bucharest Pride march will start at 17:30, with demonstrators traveling to University Square along Calea Victoriei. Finally, the PSD will hold a pro-democracy rally at Victoriei Square at 20:00. Thousands of PSD supporters are expected to travel to Bucharest to participate in the demonstration. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected around all of the events. Clashes between the various groups are possible, as well as between protesters and security forces.

Context

In May 2018, PSD leader Liviu Dragnea announced that the party was working on a draft law that would allow civil partnerships between two people of the same sex. Noua Dreaptă opposes any law or referendum that would allow same-sex marriage.

Advice

Individuals in Bucharest are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Anticipate transportation disruptions near the planned protests.