Romanians,
When I turned
the country to the Allied side, in order to save the existence of the Romanian
State, I was twenty-two years old. Exactly seventy years ago, on 8 November
1945, those who gathered in Royal Palace Square to defend their freedom were
the same age. Those who have taken to the streets in the last few days are also
the same age.
One thing I
learned in my youth was that friends can disappoint you more than enemies.
Another thing I learned then was that in crucial moments you remain alone.
Democracy and
freedoms once won are not forever. No victory is eternal. Every day human kind
earns the right to have a tomorrow. With each generation the country regains
the privilege to continue to exist.
To have good
laws is a considerable thing. To make people respect them is even more
valuable. But what is fundamental is that people should believe in them.
Today’s Romania has not yet reached that point.
Our freedom
and steadfastness depend upon the good running of the institutions of State.
However, as you yourselves have recently observed, the most advanced
legislation and civic attitude are unfortunately not enough to obtain and
guarantee solid institutions. I am certain that the younger generation will be
able to find, in their Romania, a just balance between civic attitude and State
institutions.
Thanks to its
unique relationship with the nation, the Crown remains a source of pride, trust
and love. It protects and embodies the national being. It is a bridge
connecting communities, faiths, and fellow citizens.
In a few
months the Romanian Crown will celebrate its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary.
It has continued to exist for one and a half centuries, despite crimes against
it and unimaginable difficulties. Of the one hundred and fifty years of the
Crown, I have experienced almost one hundred of them personally. All these
things entitle me to say to our young people: the time of your Romania has
begun!
Michael R
8 November 2015
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