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Balkan developments

Romanian police and military personnel worked as mercenaries in Congo


According to a report by the Romanian Ministry of the Interior, 11 of its employees worked as mercenaries in Congo while on sick leave, Digi24 reported. The Ministry of Defense also previously announced that seven of the army's active personnel worked as mercenaries in the African country while on parental leave, and that more than 460 reservists also had contracts with security companies operating on the other continent. However, according to Romanian law, active personnel are not allowed to work as mercenaries. 

The investigations into the case are ongoing. They were ordered after a scandal involving Horacio Potra, who was accused of organizing a plan to destabilize Romania in favor of former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu. Potra is a former fighter in the French Foreign Legion and the current owner of a security company. He is alleged to have hired hundreds of Romanians and sent them to Congo for higher pay.


Turkish opposition calls for early presidential elections


A new large protest was held in Istanbul on Wednesday against the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and other detained opposition mayors. Speaking to the crowd, the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, called for early elections and the release of detained mayors. He announced that the opposition would hold rallies in different parts of Istanbul every Wednesday and in a different Turkish district every weekend to demand the release of Ekrem Imamoglu and the scheduling of early presidential elections.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained on corruption charges on March 19. This led to his temporary suspension from office. In an internal party election on March 23, the CHP nominated Imamoglu as its presidential candidate for the next election. Regular presidential elections in Turkey are due in 2028.


Greece could lose EU funding for pushing back migrants


Greece could lose some funding from the European border agency Frontex over possible human rights abuses against migrants, Politico reported. The investigation is into the forced expulsion of thousands of people by Greek migration officials at land borders and at sea, a practice that is illegal under the UN Refugee Convention and international law. Frontex said it would make specific recommendations. If Greece fails to implement them, funding will be cut.

In January 2025, the European Court of Human Rights found Greek authorities guilty of systematically pushing back migrants and violating their human rights.


President Vučić invites all Serbs to rally in Belgrade


Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has invited Serbs to gather this Saturday in front of the parliament in Belgrade to jointly define demands for changes that are in line with the constitution and the will of the majority. 

"I invite all people to come to a big people's rally, a big gathering of our people, from April 11 to 13 in Belgrade. The central rally is on the 12th at 7 p.m.," Vučić said in a video message on Instagram. Kosovo Serbs have already started to walk from northern Kosovo to Belgrade to attend the rally. 

The invitation comes amid student protests in Serbia, supported by teachers, farmers and workers, that have been ongoing since November, when a canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad train station, killing 16 people.


44% of Cypriots are ready to emigrate for better pay


Three-quarters of workers in Cyprus are not satisfied with their salaries and are having difficulty covering basic living needs, housing, education and more. This is shown by a large-scale survey of salaries and living standards, commissioned by one of the largest unions in the country - the Confederation of Workers in Cyprus, co-financed by the EU, BNR correspondent Branislava Bobanac reported from Cyprus. 

74% of respondents indicated that they cannot save money and cover unforeseen expenses. 23% of employed people have difficulty making ends meet. Due to financial problems, 61% of workers state that they do not have a good quality of life, and 44% admit that they are ready to emigrate for better pay. Only 7% of respondents indicate that they live comfortably with their income.



Photos: digi24.ro, BGNES, Frontex, Instagram/Aleksandar Vučić (still), Pixabay 
Radio Bulgaria Politics    Balkans Cyprus Greece Romania Serbia Turkey
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