Centennial of the Great Union, marked in Parliament. Romanian President, harsh speech against policy-makers. PM criticises the Opposition, sends message to President Iohannis, UDMR

President Klaus Iohannis, PM Viorica Dancila, are attending the solemn plenary session of the Parliament, dedicated to the celebration of the Great Union Centennial.

Addressing the plenary sitting, the head of state said that the question arises whether policy-makers want to continue to promise more and deliver less.

„On December 1, 1981 Iuliu Maniu (editor note: former Prime Minister 1928–1933, co-founder and chairman of the National Peasants’ Party) was wondering in Alba Iulia what could make his generation be able to live up to achieving such an ideal. With the privilege of being Romania’s President in the year of Centennial I will take over the question and address it to you- how can we be worthy of the achievements of 100 years ago. Today the questions that the politicians must answer, regardless of their doctrine or party, is if they will continue to promise more and deliver less or if they have the courage to deliver to the history in the second centennial. I think the answer to this question can give us the source of cohesion,” President Iohannis began his speech.

Referring to the incumbent ruling majority and Government, he stated that some populist approaches have sown discord and that there are some politicians who have no sense of democratic ruling.

President Iohannis also called on the MPs and rulers to listen to the Romanians’ voice.

„Ladies and gentlemen, lawmakers and rulers, listen to the Romanians’ voice, return to the national interests, live up to the level of centennial and do not dishonor it. Romania can reach its full potential only when policy-makers are guided by a national project and by the people’s longing. The country must not lose its  direction and become captive of several politicians who lack all sense of democratic ruling”, the head of state pointed out.

„Romanians understand that things depend on the consistency to pursue our commitments. It’s high time the ruling majority understands that, too. Some populist, demagogic and manipulating approaches have sown discord and affected the manner we should celebrate,” he added.

Klaus Iohannis continued that now it is also a time of reflection to ask ourselves if we deserve the place in the world.

„Are we going to the right direction or are we taking the wrong path? The 100th anniversary of our country finds us at a crossroad for the next Centennial (…) Romanians expect to have responsible, honest political leaders who must have interests for Romania, and not for their temporary interests,” Iohannis argued.

PM Viorica Dancila, Senate Speaker Călin Popescu Tăriceanu, Chamber of Deputies Speaker Liviu Dragnea, Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, as well as representatives of the parliamentary groups, are also delivering speeches.

Former presidents of Romania, Traian Basescu, Ion Iliesc and Emil Constantinescu have been also invited to attend the solemn sitting, next to members of the Government, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Bucharest, the presidents of the Constitutional Court, of the Supreme Court, of the Romanian Academy, the Ombudsman, the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church and the governor of the National Bank of Romania.

PM Dancila: We have to solve problems in Romania by ourselves and not through others

PM Viorica Dăncilă has saluted the Liberals and praised the Bratianus (e.n. family of Romanian politicians, founders of the National Liberal Party) contribution to making the Great Romania, yet she had an acid speech against the Opposition.

„It is a high stakes left to those who are currently lead this party,” she said about the National Liberal Party. „No matter how fierce is the political fight here in Parliament, there is no reason to justify a vote against your own country,” Dancila added.

„ I would recommend those who are leading Romania to a level or another that, regardless of the their political or personal opinions, to think about our joint interest as European nation, not only to their own discontent. The famous motto <By ourselves> placed by the Bratianus on the letterhead of the Great Union must find a correspondent in our current affairs as well. By ourselves and not through others we should solve our problems in Romania, to defend our national interests in  Europe and this doesn’t make us less Europeans” the premier argued.

At the same time, the head of the Executive addressed a message to the national minorities group, to UDMR, but also to President Iohannis.

„In this solemn sitting of the Centennial I address a message of political peace to Romania’s President, Mr. Klaus Iohannis. As I has said during my mandate, I believe that, regardless of the political or electoral stakes that lie ahead of us, we, as prime minister and president have, the duty to cooperate”, Dancila stated.

„It’s time to enjoy a moment of consensus and peace 100 years since the Great Union. I want to celebrate the national day in a climate of peace and no division,” she concluded.

Tariceanu: Patriotism means loving your country’s laws

In his turn, Senate Speaker, Calin Popescu Tăriceanu, said that we celebrate not only an event of great patriot tenure on December 1, but also an act of real democracy.

„Patriotism is not only a festive, seasonal feeling, but it is a rational choice as well. Montesquieu wrote that the true patriotism means ti love your country’s laws. Of course, if these laws deserve your affection”, the Senate speaker said.

More to follow…