Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Bucharest on Saturday for a protest organised by the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) against the government of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.
The protest, which began in University Square and proceeded towards Victory Square, saw incidents involving law enforcement and the discovery of weapons among participants.
Protest Escalates with Clashes and Security Concerns
While the demonstration was largely peaceful, tensions escalated when some protesters attempted to breach security barriers near government buildings. Reports indicate that protesters clashed with gendarmes, pushing against barricades and throwing plastic crates and water bottles at law enforcement officers. Authorities refrained from using force but have stated that legal measures will be taken against individuals identified as instigators of violence.
The Gendarmerie confirmed that a Polish citizen under judicial control, who had been previously banned from public gatherings, was found carrying a belt with an attached knife. Several other protesters were also found in possession of wooden or metal objects classified as blunt weapons, which were confiscated.
As a result of the incidents, authorities imposed fines amounting to tens of thousands of lei, including for the unauthorised use of drones. Additionally, law enforcement initiated a criminal investigation into the disturbances.
Political Figures Address the Crowd
The protest featured speeches by AUR leader George Simion, Călin Georgescu, and a representative from the newly formed political group POT. Georgescu, who has announced his intention to run in the presidential election, addressed the crowd, stating:
“We will take back our country without corruption and without the old and new elites standing in our way. I want to be judged by your vote. It is your right to choose who will lead you, not for others to decide on your behalf.”
Simion, in his speech, accused the authorities of political repression, referencing Georgescu’s recent legal troubles. “Three days ago, the ongoing coup had another episode. Călin Georgescu was stopped by the police and prosecutors acting on behalf of foreign embassies! They are trying to fabricate evidence that does not exist. Marcel Ciolacu must step down!” Simion also reiterated that AUR aims to restore what he described as democratic integrity in Romania.
Disputed Crowd Numbers and End of Demonstration
Estimates regarding the number of attendees varied significantly. While AUR claimed that over 300,000 people participated, law enforcement sources put the figure closer to 4,000. The demonstration concluded in the early evening, with protesters gradually leaving Victory Square. Some remained for a short while longer, forming a traditional dance before dispersing.
Authorities maintained a strong presence throughout the event, implementing traffic restrictions and security measures to manage the large gathering. The protest followed a failed motion of no confidence against the government, initiated by AUR, POT, and SOS Romania, which was rejected in parliament the previous day.
The political implications of the protest remain to be seen, as AUR and its allies continue to position themselves as opponents of the current government in the lead-up to the upcoming elections. Georgescu, under judicial control for alleged offences including incitement against constitutional order and false statements, has maintained his innocence and insists that the legal proceedings against him are politically motivated.
Romania Confirms Russian Drone Crash Near Border
Amid political tensions in Bucharest, the Romanian Ministry of Defence confirmed that fragments of a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were found on Romanian territory near the borders with Ukraine and Moldova.
Authorities were alerted to the incident on 28 February, when debris resembling drone wreckage was discovered near the city of Galați, approximately 500 metres from the Moldovan border. A team of experts from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and intelligence services was dispatched to the site on 1 March.
Later that day, officials confirmed that the debris belonged to a Russian drone, which still contained an unexploded warhead. Specialists conducted a controlled detonation to neutralise the threat. Security forces have since increased patrols in the area, urging civilians to avoid the site while risk assessments continue.
This is not the first such incident in Romania. In January, another drone crashed near the village of Plauru, opposite Ukraine’s Izmail port. Similar drone incursions have been reported in Moldova, and in September, a Russian Shahed drone entered Latvian airspace via Belarus before crashing.
NATO has been monitoring Romania’s airspace closely. Since 29 September, the alliance has deployed an additional airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft to reinforce surveillance operations.
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Călin Georgescu Placed Under Judicial Supervision Amid Criminal Investigation
