An estimated 30,000 people gathered yesterday evening in Bucharest to demonstrate against Romania’s leftist-liberal government and its controversial justice reform.
Scuffles were reported between protesters and police, with security reinforcements reportedly brought in from outside the capital early in the rally.
A march to the parliament building was planned for later.
Demonstrations were called over a law passed last month which could lessen the power of the DNA anti-graft authority to prosecute corrupt officials.
Romania last week saw its second prime minister resign in 13 months because of wrangling over corruption within the ruling Social Democrats (PSD).
PSD chief Liviu Dragnea cannot take on the top job in government, due to a previous conviction for electoral fraud.
Dragnea nonetheless insists on pulling the strings in government, which has led to the resignations of prime ministers Sorin Grindeanu in June last year and Mihai Tudose on Monday.
Viorica Dancila, a close ally of Dragnea, has since been designated to lead the government.