Romanian President Klaus Iohannis harshly criticised the government and the leadership of the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) three days after the brutal intervention of the riot police during an antigovernment rally in Bucharest, which resulted in hundreds of people needing medical assistance. On the same day, the PSD claimed Iohannis incited “social anarchy”, accusing him of being responsible for the current state of society.

Tensions between Iohannis and the PSD have intensified in the last few months, as the president challenged a series of bills amending justice and criminal legislation through the Constitutional Court. The president has also asked Prime Minister Viorica Dancila to resign several times.

“We are the witnesses of a government which pretends not to hear and see the people’s revolt. Nobody has assumed political responsibility for what has happened,” the president said.

“Did those who want to subdue justice and the anti-corruption fight want a diversion to build unjustified and false tension in the society? What is going to happen next if this government continues to treat its citizens the same way and resort to violent suppression of the voices who oppose Romania’s return back in time?” Iohannis added.

On the other hand, the PSD blamed the president for the current situation, when “the country is more divided than ever,” according to a statement quoted by Mediafax news agency.

“Now after his latest manifestations of incitement to social anarchy and intimidation of public authority, it becomes clearer that Iohannis did not want, did not know or could not be the president of all Romanians,” the PSD said, adding that Iohannis encouraged anarchic, anti PSD and anti-government protests.

Dozens of Romanians have already made criminal complaints after they suffered injuries following the brutal intervention by the riot police at an antigovernment protest on August 10, according to press reports.