Romania’s government in turmoil over protests at cuts
The chaos reflected social fallout from the sharp wage cuts, tax hikes and other austerity measures the government has taken to fight its budget deficit amid a deep recession.
President Traian Basescu’s government has been unable to pay wages and pensions without a €20 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund and other lenders, and the IMF is demanding strong action to trim Romania’s debt.