2006 Ferentari Riot - The Riot

The Riot

The riot occurred because Electrica decided to cut the electricity of some blocks, due to energy theft and consumer debts. However, whole blocks were cut the electricity, including few consumers without debts. In those blocks there was no central heating and people were using electric radiators (which are energy inefficient). There were also some apartments with air conditioners, so the total debts rose to €400,000. The stolen energy was estimated to €430,000 per month.

According to the protesters, the local council of Sector 5 had repeatedly refused to authorize their reconnection to the grid. This led to around 200 inhabitants from the Zăbrăuţi area to violently protest against their situation, by torching tires, blocking traffic in the area and breaking the window of a fire truck, while calling for reconnection of their electricity supply. However, only 20% of the inhabitants of the area had any papers proving ownership or rent over the said flats, with the rest being squatters.

The electricity provider was criticized for not cutting the energy in summer, so that people could make plans for winter.

Both the electricity provider and Bucharest 5'th Sector, Marian Vanghelie were criticized for making electrical energy contracts in those blocks, as they were built as temporary shelter for construction workers and were never finalized. Apart from electricity, they do not have water, sewerage or heating.

Marian Vanghelie said he will not make any concession. President Traian Băsescu also commented on the events: "I stand by my previous statement. Bucharest is not for everyone. Every one of us must pay !" (Romanian: 'Imi mentin ideea pe care am mai spus-o. Bucurestiul nu este un oras in care poate locui oricine. Toti trebuie sa platim!).