Dear Romanians,
My first 100 days in office as President have passed. Some people wonder why I haven’t been more vocal during this time, why it is not me the one to have the first reaction to each and every piece of breaking news, why I am not publicly reproving other institutions or criticizing other politicians on a daily basis. It is quite simple: because this is not the role of a president. And also because this was my first promise: a different manner of doing politics, without the uproar and the show, less words for words’ sake only and more construction, with reason and patience.
These first 100 days, beyond palpable actions, have been about values and their power to change our lives. It has been important for me to reiterate my confidence in certain principles in those situations where other ruling politicians’ behavior managed to create a void. „Romania of things well done” is possible, it is a country that knows its purpose and has the way. This is a healing project for the country which only requires a simple condition to be functional: each and every one of us must attend to our business with responsibility.
I used to say I was going to act as a mediator and as an integrative actor as President. After years of perpetual conflict I have managed to bring together at the same table political parties, institution representatives and the civil society, on different matters. Signing of the agreement concerning the raise of the defense budget was one of the results.
During this time, I have sent several laws for reexamination. I am telling you very clearly: I do not play with this country’s laws. I use this prerogative of the President neither to settle accounts with somebody nor to serve any private interest. I simply do not enforce laws that do not abide by constitutional principles or obligations undertaken by the Romanian state.
Another aspect that I approached was rebuiliding the trust between citizens and the state but also getting the laws obeyed by all. My participation at certain surveys of institutions in the justice department or defense and national security was a sign of my appreciation of their activity, but I also wanted to point out that all state institutions are in the public service and called upon to defend democracy.
One question I have heard was: Why is the President going on so many visits abroad? Why is he not staying home to keep an eye on the media or on political parties? Because foreign policy is a fundamental attribution of the President and most of all because a strong and efficient foreign policy means a strong and efficient state for its citizens. I don’t think I am wrong to say that over these last 100 days Romania has started regaining its respect and credibility in the great European capitals and worldwide. During this short time, I had the great pleasure to meet some of the Romanian communities abroad, to personally thank them for their patriotism. I regret not managing to meet many of them but my promise is to visit plenty of places with large Romanian communities over the next months. After all, reclaiming historical memory, praising national culture and rediscovering values are part of a president’s mission. This is a mission not to be just formally written in a law, but a heartfelt one. That is precisely the reason why I have attended certain events, visited certain places and made a point of meeting certain people.
I know expectations are high in some other sectors as well. I know people wish things changed as soon as possible. Not all projects could start at the same time and I am talking mainly about an Advisory Council for Romanians Abroad or structuring a debate mechanism on Healthcare and Education. Before building something you need a solid foundation and this is what I have worked for during these first 100 days.
Dear Romanians,
These are the guidelines that I am going to follow in principle and in action in the coming days. Completing the reform of political institutions remains a priority by the end of the current parliamentary session. I am going to keep a close eye on the legislative solution meant to assure the vote of Romanians abroad, but also on all other projects.
I will continue the series of foreign meetings in the same spirit of policies that secure the Strategic Partnership with the US and our NATO and EU membership. Over the next few months I will complete the national defense strategy as well and present it in the Parliament.
My greatest discontent during this period – and we all have to admit this is the biggest drawback – regards the manner in which the Parliament continues to address requests of the judicial system as much as that pending promise of the parties to simplify and make these judicial procedures more transparent. Each episode that sees justice being held back by the Parliament is nothing else but a step behind in regaining public trust and a source of losing legitimacy. And the effects go beyond the mere moment of casting a certain vote.
Regarding politicians suspected for corruption matters and the attempt to escape justice I would like to point out that there is a test you are bound to pass otherwise nothing and no one can help you. This test is about personal integrity. You cannot fake this, no matter how many times you try. In politics, if you make a serious mistake, you have to step down. This is a different manner of doing politics. In the light of the vote in November 16th 2014, we know people expect another kind of conduct from the elected officials. I am convinced there are still politicians out there who think alike when it comes to integrity. No matter if they understand this now or later on, the voters are going to assess and sanction these things at polls. I understand and I share people’s discontent regarding many of the officials in Parliament who forget they are in the public service and choose to defy expectations. I also understand some people’s wish for swift and radical measures on the short term. However, in a democracy you cannot handle abuse by another abuse. You cannot resolve a conflict by creating a bigger one and you cannot change bevahiors by force. These things have been attempted by all sides over the last years in Romania and we all know the outcome: a total war against everybody. Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat the past and cannot build another future. I am not willing to repeat the past. The change of the political class and mentalities is a lengthy process. If this was nearly impossible a few months ago, now it has already begun. The resistance to change is the first sign of it happening.
Remaining consistent with your principles despite all circumstances that might incline you to breach them will make those principles prevail in the end. Abiding firmly by the Constitution even if transgressing it seems to bring a swifter solution will make the Constitution prevail in the end. These are my beliefs. Romanian people must know that the letter and, above of all, the spirit of the Constitution represent my guideline. Doing what I promised to do is uppermost in my mind. You are already familiar with my conduct and my only direction is the future we are building together, the future of a country where trust, tranquility and recognition of values are falling back into place, the future of a truly democratic and strong country.
Thank you!
