Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Saturday said his country is facing ” an existential decision” and a stark choice between “democracy or isolationism, mysticism and hatred.”
Speaking at a reception to celebrate Romania’s National Day on the eve of parliamentary elections, the Romanian leader said: “We are voting to remain a country of freedom and openness or collapse into toxic isolation.”
“We are facing an existential decision. And we have to choose: democracy and the fundamental values that have guided us as a modern European nation, or isolationism, extremist mysticism and hatred of Western pluralism,” he said to an audience of politicians, diplomats, athletes and officials.
It was Mr. Iohannis first speech since presidential elections and his last speech as the country’s leader on the National Day because he is stepping down after serving two five-year terms .
Romania’s political establishment is reeling from the success of hard-right pro-Russian Calin Georgescu who won first place in the first round of presidential elections.
Romania goes to the polls on Sunday for parliamentary elections in which nationalist parties are expected to make gains.
“Tomorrow’s elections and future elections will not only be about left, right or center policies and visions. We aren’t voting to punish or reward anyone, but to remain a free and open country or to collapse into toxic isolation and a dark past.”
Speaking to concerns about developments, including a recount of the first round of elections, he said that many were “losing confidence in the state institutions, in the power and legitimacy of the vote, which is the essence of democracy.”
Excerpts from his speech
“My dear Romanians, every vote counts and every citizen has an essential role in shaping the future of our country. We choose not only people who represent us, but also the values and the direction in which we want to go as a nation.”
“We must not forget that voting is a right for which our fellow human beings fought, some paying for it with blood, 35 years ago,” he said in reference to Romania’s revolution where more than 1,100 people died.
“On this national holiday, I call on you to remember the sacrifices made by those who believed in this country. By those who believed in Romania. Let us remember that we are only strong when we are united. Let’s put aside differences and put the common good first. We need unity and solidarity to move forward.”
