Romania’s interim President Ilie Bolojan on Saturday appealed to voters to protect their post-communist freedoms ahead of a presidential runoff that could see the country dilute democratic rights and pull back on its commitment to the European Union and NATO
Without mentioning centrist pro-European candidate Nicusor Dan by name, the respected Mr. Bolojan who was appointed after President Klaus Iohannis resigned amid political turmoil, said:
“We have the responsibility not to lose the freedom and rights obtained with many sacrifices 35 years ago, and Romania needs the wisdom of each of its citizens,” he said.
Bolojan’s used his message to mark Romania’s Independence Day to refer to European values.
“Through solidarity and unity we will be able to overcome the current complicated period, so that Romania can continue its European path.”
Bucharest mayor, Dan, meets Euroskeptic, nationalist candidate George Simion in the May 18 runoff.
Here is the full message sent by Ilie Bolojan on the occasion of Romania’s National Independence Day:
Today we celebrate 148 years since the proclamation of Romania’s State Independence and 144 years since the coronation of Carol I and the proclamation of our country as a kingdom, essential steps in the formation and consolidation of the modern Romanian state.
We owe gratitude and respect to those who laid the foundations of Romania as a sovereign, united and dignified state. Thanks to our ancestors, the Romanian people have earned the right to decide their own destiny.
Romania’s independence and the Great Union remain landmarks of our history. The values that made them possible – freedom, dignity, unity and sovereignty – still guide us today as a nation. We have a duty to preserve, defend and pass them on to future generations.
Through solidarity and unity we will be able to overcome the current complicated period, so that Romania can continue its European path.
We have the responsibility not to lose the freedom and rights obtained with many sacrifices 35 years ago, and Romania needs the wisdom of each of its citizens.
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