Social polarization represents a major challenge for contemporary Romanian society, bringing to the forefront an increasingly acute conflict between the values of conservatism and those of progressivism.
Conservatism vs progressivism in Romania. Photo: Shutterstock
In a political context marked by tensions and conflicts of opinion, ideological divergences not only affect public debates, but also shape the country’s political future. To better understand these dynamics, Adevărul contacted two recognized experts in the field of political analysis, Cristian Pîrvulescu and Valeriu Turcan, who will explore the nature of polarization in Romania, its impact on social cohesion and possible solutions for the reconciliation of these two ideological currents.
Political analyst Valeriu Turcan draws attention to a political dynamic in Romania, characterized by a polarization which, in his opinion “It’s a false cleavage and it’s more about political rhetoric than social reality from the blade of grass”. The analyst notes that this division was promoted only after Donald Trump’s victory in the US, eight years ago.
“The reality in the parties is completely different”
According to the analyst, Romanian society turns out to be, for the most part, conservative, with progressivism at a minimum level. This trend is reflected in the way most political parties align themselves with traditional values such as faith, family and tradition. “That’s why most parties rely on these perceived traditional values,” Turcan explained.
He points out that although political parties present themselves as supporters of these principles, many of them adopt superficial rhetoric to attract votes without actually supporting these values. “Of course, with a few exceptions, it’s just a matter of political rhetoric,” he added. Parties fear antagonizing their religious voters, choosing to promote traditional values to secure electoral support.
“The reality in the parties is completely different,” continued Turcan.
“You can parade with Christian values, but corrupt a bunch.”
This observation highlights the discrepancy between the parties’ public image and their internal reality, which is often marked by scandals and misconduct.
In conclusion, Valeriu Turcan emphasizes: “nothing to do with authentic conservatism; in Romania it is only a parade.” This message invites a deeper reflection on political polarization and how it influences the public’s perception of political values and priorities in Romania. In an election season where rhetoric is often skewed, it’s critical to ask how much of this polarization is real and how much is just political strategy.
“Progressivism is just a label that opponents of liberalism put on”
Political analyst Cristian Pîrvulescu draws attention to the relativity of the concept of progress. “Progress does not exist, it is something relative, the world does not progress, there are only differences”he says, emphasizing that the stability of human communities depends rather on adherence to stable values such as family and community. This stability is essential for social cohesion and sustainable development.
Cristian Pîrvulescu describes the dispute between conservatives and liberals as one between two fundamental visions of the world. Conservatives look to the past and idealize a “golden age” lost, advocating a return to traditional values. Instead, liberals focus on the future, believing that a “golden age” can be achieved by improving social, economic, and cultural conditions. “Conservatives focus a lot on culture, while liberals focus on the law”says the analyst, differentiating the approaches of the two camps.
Liberalism as a force for change
According to Pîrvulescu, significant changes in Romania were possible thanks to liberalism, not conservatism. “Romania, if it changed, it changed thanks to the liberals, not the conservatives”he points out. However, the analyst notes that, in the current political landscape, Romania has no true representatives of liberalism, with the exception of Ana Birchall, who, in his view, manifests a balanced liberalism.
“All other candidates to presidential they are conservative, because they start from the premise that Romanian society is conservative”adds Pîrvulescu, indicating how even leaders who declare themselves left-wing, such as Marcel Ciolacu, adopt conservative positions: “Mr. Ciolacu, for example, a theoretical supporter of a left-wing ideology, states that Romanian society is not even ready for civil partnership, let alone same-sex marriage.”
Resistance to change and ultraconservative blocking
Pîrvulescu observes that the position of the political leaders is supported by ultra-conservative and quasi-fascist groups, many of them having a neo-Protestant influence. These groups try to hold back cultural and social change, feeling that their values are threatened. “We don’t have so-called progressives in Romania”he states, drawing attention to the absence of a genuine progressive movement in the national political landscape.
These groups refuse to accept research and data that indicate a shift in societal perception. “They want to stop this change which is against their principles of social organization”explains Pîrvulescu, emphasizing the constant tension between the natural evolution of society and efforts to block progress.
