Diversity, ethnic and religious pluralism are important resources for Romania's development, because they enrich the country's intellectual heritage, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Monday, on the occasion of National Minorities Day.
The prime minister gave a speech in the parliament at the event held on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the National Council of Minorities. He said that Romania is "a real European model for the protection of national minorities and their parliamentary representation". The prime minister explained that the consolidation of Romanian democracy after the change of regime, the current political and social environment aligned with international and European Union norms, is largely due to the contribution of national minorities and their cooperation with the Romanian government, through the National Council of Minorities and the parliamentary faction of minorities.
"Today's anniversary is an opportunity to renew our commitment to ensuring that Romania remains a true European model for the protection of the rights of national minorities and their parliamentary representation,
facilitating their participation in decision-making affecting Romanian society as a whole," Agerpres quoted the Prime Minister as saying. Ciolacu added: "in a world where various forms of fundamentalism, extremism and anti-Semitism are spreading at an increasingly alarming rate, respect for diversity and intercultural dialogue are even more valuable social capital."
He also mentioned that his cooperation with the parliamentary faction of national minorities was "excellent" as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He recalled that this faction supported the decision-makers in overcoming challenges even during the most difficult times - the coronavirus epidemic and the energy crisis.
"Therefore, as prime minister, I believe that this cooperation must be preserved, especially by continuing economic development investments in areas inhabited by minorities, precisely in order to ensure equal development opportunities and chances for all citizens of the country. I believe that relations with minorities should not depend on the political winds. Thirty years after the revolution, this relationship should be normal, regardless of the political will of any Romanian party or leader," Ciolacu stated in his speech.
Source: kronikaonline.ro
Photo: Marcel Ciolacu's Facebook page
