The FILIA Center organization declares itself outraged and concerned by some “sexist” statements made by Elena Lasconi, on the grounds that they “encourage violence against women”. The USR leader claims that his statement was misunderstood.
Elena Lasconi is accused of insulting women and making sexist statements Photo: Archive
“We draw attention to the sexist statements, which normalize and ridicule violence against women, made by Elena Lasconi on the occasion the censure motion propitious“, sent the FILIA Center, a feminist organization that makes women’s voices heard by working directly in communities.
“Come with courage, honesty and respect. Turn these words into action! Sign the USR censure motion! Otherwise, you remain hypocrites, liars, with the behavior of mistresses who know that they are being cheated on, who also take a hit on the back of their necks, but who stay in the relationship only because they benefit from money and other privileges.”, this is Elena Lasconi’s statement, which outraged the leadership of the FILIA Center organization.
The members of the NGO claim that the statement made by Elena Lasconi is unacceptable.
“We are outraged and concerned about these statements and attitudes that encourage violence against women and blame victims of domestic violence:
– the association of political opponents with the situation of women who face physical violence from their partners and cannot get out of violent relationships is unacceptable;
– association with the term «lover»which it presents as a form of humiliation of political opponents is unacceptable.
We are disappointed by this position from a political leadership that should not instrumentalize such a serious and important topic of domestic violence for political capital“, the representatives of the organization wrote on Facebook.
They also claimed that in the political environment women “they end up being the victims of abuse from party colleagues or political opponents“.
“These positions only contribute to the sexist and sexist environment in politics – an environment in which many women end up being the victims of abuse from party colleagues or political opponents. We ask Elena Lasconi to apologize and send a message of solidarity with survivors of domestic violence. The experience of victims of gender-based violence should NOT be used to attract votes or political support by party leaders.“, the FILIA Center also transmitted.
Elena Lasconi’s reaction: “I suggested Mr. Ciucă to follow the courage of these women”
Soon after, Elena Lasconi claimed that his statement was misunderstood. She claimed to have fought against domestic violence all her life.
“Dear ladies, all my life I have fought against domestic violence. We did concrete things, we even collaborated with Filia and with NGOs from all over the country. I did media campaigns at PRO TV. I drew the Romanians’ attention to this scourge. I took a firm stand against it IPS Theodosia precisely because it encouraged such behaviors. My statement does not have a negative connotation. On the contrary. Mr. Ciucă posed as a victim last night, saying that he was leaving the government. I mean, it somehow suggested that he is in a relationship with PSD that he does not want”, replied Elena Lasconi, on the organization’s Facebook page.
The USR leader says he admires women who get out of “toxic relationships with courage”.
“I’ve met a lot of women who have gotten out of toxic relationships with COURAGE. And I admire them for that, they inspire me. Their courage inspired me and brought me to this point. I suggested to Mr. Ciucă to follow the courage of these women who are really living a drama. I’m sorry if my message was interpreted differently than I explained. In the Country Program we have a special chapter dedicated to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking with concrete measures to change their lives for the better. I want us to be partners, because only together can we change mentalities. I invite you to discuss this and change things for the better. My intention is good and my actions show it. Thank you!“, the candidate for the presidential elections also wrote.
Alina Gorghiu: “Lasconi’s message is toxic”
Alina Gorghiu, the Minister of Justice, also attacks Elena Lasconi.
“I expected a woman, a presidential candidate, to show empathy, to understand the drama that a victim of domestic violence goes through. Not to take it lightly, look down on it or become the subject of political attack. At least because I hope he knows that 52% of Romania’s population is represented by women and of the 87,565 cases of domestic violence registered by the Romanian Police in 2024, the overwhelming majority are of violence against women. I think, however, that I have too high expectations from a superficial candidate, for whom everything is a sham”, the Minister of Justice said on Facebook.
Gorghiu claims that Elena Lasconi’s message is “toxic”.
“I ask Elena Lasconi to apologize to all women in Romania who are victims of domestic violence! By the completely uninspired post it trivializes this phenomenon and offends them! Lasconi’s message is toxic! The idea that victims endure violence for material gain is deeply misplaced. The impact of such a statement coming precisely from a candidate for the presidential elections is particularly high and the statement must be publicly sanctioned, not overlooked.“, said Alina Gorghiu.
