"Hundreds of people rallied in front of Victoria Palace, the headquarters of the Romanian Prime Minister’s office, against austerity measures on Thursday in Bucharest. Footage shows protesters waving Romanian flags and blowing vuvuzelas at the major Victory Square. Heightened police can also be seen. Opposition leader and Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) party president George Simion joined the demonstration, severely criticising the latest tax hike. “I am here to be along with the Romanian people, to protest against this government that lied six months ago that they won't raise the taxes,” he said. “This government is interested only in taxes, not in supporting the Romanian economy.” In December, the Romanian government adopted a new tax package that will increase property and vehicle taxes, in some cases by nearly 80 percent. The package took effect on January 1. “I am here to get rid of this government that raised the taxes and made us poorer,” one of the protesters, Viorel, said. We wish a better future for our children, for our nephews, for Romania.” “We are damn poor now. If we do nothing, it will be even worse,” another protester, Florin, added. Earlier on the same day, another demonstration condemning the anti-extremist Vexler Law took place in the Romanian capital, organised by the Conservative Action (ACT) party. Initiated by the Parliament Member Silviu Vexler from the Federation of Jewish Communities, the legislation bans fascist, legionary, racist and xenophobic organisations, symbols and actions, and introduces tougher penalties for their promotion."