“Besides money, what the hell keeps you in Bucharest?” What reactions did the message of a Romanian outraged by the pollution in the Capital arouse

The message of a Romanian accusing air pollution in certain places in Bucharest, claiming that only money could keep people in the Capital, caused a wave of reactions on social networks.

Air pollution indices in Bucharest are high in several areas, air quality measuring instruments show, unlike other cities in Romania.

Pollution, cause of dissatisfaction in the Capital

Several online applications, like Breezometer or Uradmonitor, indicate the “red zones” in the Capital where the air is polluted, and locals are advised to reduce outdoor activities.

On the online maps that show in real time the results of the measurements of the degree of air pollution, other cities in Romania, such as Brașov, Cluj-Napoca or Botoșani, can be found with red zones.

“If you start to experience respiratory discomfort, such as coughing or shortness of breath, consider reducing the intensity of your outdoor activities. Try to limit the time you spend near busy roads, construction sites, open fires and other sources of smoke”is the recommendation of the Breezometer app regarding areas with polluted air.

The “red dots” of pollution in Bucharest have recently sparked controversy on social networks.

“Apart from money, what the hell keeps you in this Bucharest. I really don’t understand why you are ruining your life in the Capital”claims a user of the Reddit platform, showing the image from the Uradmonitor application of the polluted areas in Bucharest.

His message sparked a wave of reactions. Some Romanians believe that those who drive to work are the main ones responsible for air pollution.

“Look what calling everyone’s office does, again. Cars over cars and excessive pollution. They all sit like fools in traffic and pollution and swear at the people around them, why are they driving”, a Romanian writes.

“City parks are generally tired with gray pavers, ugly benches. Real cool parks mean having a forest nearby that you can walk in“, was the opinion of another internet user.

Other locals say they are satisfied with the atmosphere in Bucharest.

“There are also people who like the city because we prefer to live between the concrete, not in the “green air”. Not everyone has to be a nature lover and seek this perfection. Consider so many Western cities and you will realize that people prefer the convenience and luxury of a big city to a small town or the countryside.” think user of the platform.

Bucharesters are unhappy that their city is being criticized

Asked what keeps them in the Capital, the people of Bucharest gave different answers.

“If you want to go to the theater, the opera, more diverse concerts, events, to have flights to many destinations and more opportunities to develop professionally in certain fields, I don’t think there is any city with more opportunities. It has overnight transport, in case you want a more active life. It’s not perfect, but it’s the city. I can’t say that about the many block villages. Some don’t want to live long and slow”answers another Romanian.

Decent salary, good schools, decent hospitals and better public services, says another local, arguing that the school network in Bucharest offers more chances to pursue a career.

Some residents of Bucharest say that despite the polluted air indicated in the parameters of the monitoring applications, life in the Capital is much more convenient than in the rest of the cities in Romania.

“Because it has a special architecture, unique in Romania? Because I can strike up a conversation with anyone at the tram station without them looking cross-eyed at me? Because I have a subway? Because it’s a city that lives 24/7? Because I have everything at hand? Because real estate is much cheaper relative to purchasing power than in other cities in Romania? Because I have large and well-kept parks? Because I have the mountains and the sea two hours away? Because it’s a cosmopolitan city? Because it has fun-cultural events anytime? Because people don’t get lost in brackets and are direct? Because the most beautiful women sit here? Because they are 3 hours from Burgas and 7 hours from Thessaloniki? Because the kids from Obor? Because you find any service available anytime? Because you have neighborhood terraces with low prices and good people? Because I can do whatever I want and no one notices?“, writes another Bucharest resident.

Some locals of the Capital declare themselves offended by those who criticize the city, even with its shortcomings.

“I understand that you come here out of necessity and I understand your pain that it’s far from home and you don’t like it, but you have no choice, but you can understand how offensive it can be for someone to criticize your city at every step? All of Romania moves to Bucharest and a Gigel comes and tells us to move from Bucharest? Especially us, these natives, with all the rubedenia and businesses here…”concludes another netizen.