Romania, behind China and Russia at a military parade that marks “a threat to the Western world”
The presence of former premiers Adrian Năstase and Viorica Dăncilă at the Beijing military parade, along with leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, has generated controversy in Romania. Analysts claim that their presence in the capital of China transmits a contradictory message in Romanian politics, in the context in which the event was a gesture of reaffirmation of friendship between states with authoritarian regimes.
The two appeared in the official photo behind the dictators of the world EPA EFE
Former PSD premiers of Romania Adrian Năstase and Viorica Dăncilă went to Beijing, to the military parade organized to commemorate China against Japan in World War II. The two also appeared in the official photos with the dictators of the world Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong one and Xi Jinping, being positioned right behind them.
“Of course they had to think before showing up with the President of Russia. They had to think twice. I think what they wanted to show is the friendship they have towards China. And it is right that the Romanian state has relations with the People's Republic of China since its establishment. (….)
These are two premiers who have their frustrations in relation to the democratic regime in Romania, who have had governance experiences with an unpleasant result for them. I think that makes them position themselves differently, appearing at events along with leaders of the non-democratic world. Of course, there I am from the dictator to the authoritarian leader, so a whole range. (…) It does not represent anyone, it represents itself. It is clear that Mr. Nastase had, as long as he was a prime minister, he paid a visit to China, he had probably good relationships and he continued this step then during the time the prime minister was. But that does not mean that the government represents today ”, stresses former foreign minister Adrian Cioroianu.
“This is the message I give for today's political class. And it is very possible that in today's politics there will be people with a double speech” – Adrian Cioroianu, former Foreign Minister
The two give a message that can have some weight, explains Adrian Cioroianu for “Adevărul”: “It is, I think, in the case of the two, about the message they give for today's political class. And it is very possible that in today's politics there will be people with a double speech. That is, one to tell the other to do. It is clear that we also have in the opposition of today people who are not at all partisans of the European Union or the alliances of Romania, who are fighting with the neighbors, such as the Republic of Moldova or Ukraine. So they exist in today's politics. ”
Participating in the event, a joke
Radu Carp, a teacher in international relations, points out that the participation of the two comes as a result of the relationships they have developed with China, but it is a joke in the context of the current event, meant to send a message to the West: “It seems to me a joke and the fact that they participated even as natural persons in such a ceremony that practically marks China in the circle of great powers and friendship with Russia. The fact that they responded to an invitation and the fact that they have been in China so many times. But the context was of such a nature that it marked a threat to the western world as a whole”, Explains Radu Carp.
“People with pro-Russian orientations have and know them. And some even registered with all the baggage at Russian services. We know very well. The problem is that we also have Chinese influence agents. This is newer and worse, because it is difficult to make a connection.”Professor Radu Carp also points out.
Tensions in Bucharest
We recall that President Nicușor Dan was limited to say that this is a visit by two natural persons, who did not act on behalf of the Romanian state, and Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu stressed that “ROmented is not and cannot be represented by politicians who are honored in the picture next to Putin today ”.
“They talk about patriotism at home, but a patriot would not guddle next to the aggressor.shows the reaction of the MAE chief.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan had a different reaction. He is of the opinion that the former dignitaries must have the freedom to participate in what the events they want. “It does not hire Romania, because they do not have an institutional representation in a public position ”explained Ilie Bolojan.
Another more sharp reaction came from the interim chief of the PSD, Sorin Grindeanu: “I, if I had been in their place I would surely avoid such situations. But it is the personal option, not the party, both Mr. Nastase and the lady (no – Viorica Dăncilă). You know the PSD line, it's pro-European ”he said.
