Becali's Sanctification Follows Bucharest Pride: A City Divided?

Bucharest witnessed a unique juxtaposition this weekend. On Saturday, the city's Calea Victoriei street vibrated with the colorful energy of Bucharest Pride, celebrating LGBTQ+ diversity. However, on Sunday, a different scene unfolded. Gigi Becali, a prominent Romanian businessman known for his outspoken views, led a procession of priests along the same route to perform a religious cleansing, sprinkling holy water to 'remove evil spirits'. A local resident commented, "It's beautiful, I was at both events." Becali himself stated to reporters, "We are here to purify the places where evil spirits might cause accidents." The event highlights the ongoing tension between religious and LGBTQ+ communities in Romania, prompting a public conversation about tolerance and freedom of expression. The contrasting images of the vibrant Pride parade and the solemn religious procession serve as a powerful symbol of these differing perspectives.