19 May 2010 Bucharest protests

On May 19, 2010 at least 40,000 Romanians rallied in Bucharest to protest wage cuts planned by the government to shore up the ailing economy.
Background
The leaders of the trade unions that organized the meeting from Piata Victoriei said more than 50,000 people participated at the protest.
Participants
Many public employees, pensioners, health or education staff, workers from the power sector, students, the national railway company CFR and from the mining sector, as well as employees from the subway company Metrorex gathered in Piata Victoriei to protest against the restraint measures announced by the government because of the financial crisis.
Quotations
"Piata Victoriei has never been so populated. The statement that only 30,000 people were present is a lie," the president of CNSLR Fratia, Marius Petcu.
"We will not leave until the government quits," said Bogdan Hossu, leader of the Cartel Alfa trade union.
"Our salaries are very small. They weren't good before but with the cuts we don't see anything good coming," said Valentina Voinea, 33, a nurse who earns 900 lei ($265) a month.
"We are aware that the government will not stop at these measures. In a few months they will increase VAT and the income tax," said Constantin Dragomir, a 64-year-old teacher.
Trade union leader Ion Popescu: "The government brought us to the streets. Shame on them! We are asking the government for the right to a decent life, jobs and a competitive education system."

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