Romanian Protests Stand for European Values as Presidential Runoff Approaches
On December 5, a significant march took place in Bucharest, where around 3,000 people gathered to voice their support for Romania's pro-European orientation ahead of an impending presidential runoff. The pivotal election, set for December 8, will see pro-European centrist candidate Elena Lasconi face off against Calin Georgescu, who emerged as the frontrunner amid serious allegations concerning external influence, particularly from Russia, during the first round of voting.
As Romanians gathered in University Square, they chanted slogans such as "Freedom" and "Europe," reflecting their collective anxiety about the country’s democratic future. Georgescu’s initial victory has sparked widespread fears, especially among Romania's younger population, about the potential rise of far-right ideologies within the nation.
Adding to the tension, on December 4, Romania's Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) declassified information indicating that the country was subjected to aggressive hybrid actions from Russia, which played a role in Georgescu’s unexpected first-round success. The revelations intensified protests, provoking a wave of activism among Romanian citizens who wish for their nation to maintain its European trajectory.
Activists, including prominent poet Ana Blandiana and various well-known actors, addressed the crowd, underscoring the significance of the upcoming vote. Blandiana emphasized that this election transcends a mere political contest; it serves as a referendum on the values that will define Romania’s future. "Yes for Europe or no for the past that I came out of 35 years ago," she proclaimed, drawing parallels to the nation's historical struggles for democracy and freedom.
Actor Serban Pavlu resonated with Blandiana's statements, urging the populace to back the pro-European candidate, Lasconi. He reminded the crowd of Romania's past and the need to confront fears rooted in history: "We cannot 30 years after the revolution fear that the Russians will come after us."
Reflecting on the events of December 1989, which culminated in the overthrow of communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, attendees felt a renewed sense of urgency to protect democratic values. Fellow actress Oana Pellea passionately articulated her belief in a singular path toward freedom and warned against the dangers of regressing into oppressive regimes.
With each call to action from the speakers, the crowd echoed back their commitment to democracy, chanting "Freedom! Freedom!" as they rallied behind Lasconi, currently a local mayor and former journalist. History professor Marcel Bartic articulated the event's purpose, asserting the role of the gathering in combating fascism and affirming Romania's rejection of extremist ideologies.
"We are here to remind our compatriots that Romania says no to extremists, to fascism. We want Europe, European values, and we are not afraid to say it," Bartic declared.
The event was organized by the group Romania Hope, which declared on social media that the nation is at a crucial crossroads. Despite the challenges and disappointments faced since the 1989 revolution that paved the way for freedom and democracy, the organization highlighted Romania's achievements in gaining the rights to travel, study, and work across Europe, alongside its NATO membership.
Romania Hope urged citizens to unite under the shared values of human dignity, fundamental freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens' rights, and justice. The call to action was clear: Romanians must protect and strengthen these fundamental values as they approach the decisive runoff election.
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