Bucharest, December 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan issued solemn messages over the weekend honoring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the December 1989 Romanian Revolution, on the occasion of its 36th anniversary.
In his statement, President Dan reflected on the historic events that ended decades of communist rule, emphasizing the enduring significance of freedom and the courage of the revolutionaries. He noted that the Romanian people’s call for liberty in December 1989 emerged from prolonged isolation, fear, and deprivation under the communist regime, which he described as a system of “terror, lies, and dehumanization” that caused severe human, social, and intellectual losses.
“The freedom won then is our responsibility today,” President Dan affirmed, stressing the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights and human dignity in contemporary society. He further called for accountability and moral justice for the victims of past abuses, warning against the distortion of historical memory.
Prime Minister Bolojan also paid tribute to the victims and heroes of the revolution, highlighting the uprising that began in Timișoara on December 16 and culminated in Bucharest, leading to the fall of the communist regime and the restoration of democratic rights.
“We commemorate those who were victims of communism and those who dared to stand up against a dictatorship that systematically violated people’s rights,” the Prime Minister stated in his December 21 message. He acknowledged ongoing social and economic challenges, including budget imbalances and structural weaknesses, and called for responsible leadership, honesty, and decisive action to strengthen public trust and promote balanced economic development.
The Romanian Revolution, which commenced on December 16, 1989, culminated in the ousting of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, who was subsequently tried and executed on December 25 of the same year. Over 1,100 people lost their lives, and thousands more were injured during the upheaval, marking a pivotal moment in Romania’s modern history.
In recognition of these sacrifices, the Romanian government observes December 21 each year as the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Communism, commemorating the struggle for freedom and democratic governance.
