In his message on Friday, President Klaus Iohannis emphasized that August 23 illustrates the significant impact that a single man can have against the hatred propagated by totalitarian regimes, evoking the figure of King Michael in the context of the Day of Commemoration of the Victims of Fascism and Communism.
Iohannis: The day of August 23 shows us the difference that one person can make in the face of hatred-Archive
“Today marks 80 years since the crucial decision of King Mihai I, who understood the duty he had to the people and his country and acted with responsibility and dignity, thus changing the disastrous course of events of the Second World War and saving Romania from an imminent disaster“, said the head of state, according to Agerpres.
He says that the Day of Commemoration of the Victims of Fascism and Communism represents “an occasion to remember and honor the memory of the victims of the totalitarian regimes established on the European continent and the sacrifices of all those who did not give up fighting against them, for democracy and freedom“.
Iohannis also recalls that the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact was signed 85 years ago, “a terrible agreement following which the destinies of millions of people were sacrificed for the interests of some criminal regimes“.
Klaus Iohannis evokes the horrors of those times, but also the courage shown by some people, in that context.
“Nazi and Soviet policies led to the Holocaust and genocide, to deportations, to the separation of families, to famine and numerous abuses. These horrors left scars and traumas that affected entire generations, forced to face poverty and the persecution of totalitarian regimes. Even under the threat of cruel punishments, people could not be silenced and found the strength to overcome the censorship of the times, and the example of those who resisted the oppressors remains recorded in history as evidence of strength of character and determination“, says the head of state.
He appreciates that, currently, Europe is a safer place, and Romania has become a pillar in ensuring regional stability and security.
“Our country actively contributes to the defense of democratic values and principles and represents a model in terms of promoting the world order based on rules and compliance with international law“, says Iohannis.
He talks about the current challenges and possible solutions for them.
“We see how today, in different forms, populism and hate speech are making their presence felt again, and that is precisely why the vigilance of the entire society is necessary, in order not to expose ourselves to the risk that all these values that Romania adhered to will be ridiculed . In this sense, it is imperative to oppose any slippages to the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms and to be aware of the danger represented by the rise of extremist forces that threaten democracy“, transmits Klaus Iohannis.
According to the president, inaction facilitated, over time, the propagation of evil, discrimination and intolerance.
“Today we renew our commitment to react when democratic values are endangered. The defense and promotion of historical truth is a duty of honor to the victims of totalitarianism, as well as to the younger generations, who must know the tragic past and develop and prosper in a peaceful and united world. We each have the power to respond and act when essential values and principles are threatened, as well as the responsibility to support those who fight to preserve freedom and democracy“, emphasizes Klaus Iohannis.
August 23, the day of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, was established by the European Parliament, through a 2008 Declaration, as the European Day of Commemoration of the Victims of Nazism and Communism. At the same time, in 2011, the Romanian Parliament, through Law no. 198, declared August 23 the Day of Commemoration of the Victims of Fascism and Communism.
