Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu believes that, although extreme manifestations of ethnic and religious violence are not present in Romania, in the current global context the risk that radicalisation may become a growing phenomenon in our country and society cannot be denied.

„The Government is fully aware of the risks we are facing and appreciates the dialogue and respect between the Jewish communities and other minorities and the majority of the Romanian population (…). ) I would like our discussions to be increasingly focused on identifying the most appropriate ways to support the knowledge of the beautiful and vibrant Jewish culture by the whole society and the significance of the Jewish communities for the Romanian society today. There are, however, a number of developments that must be taken into account and here I am referring to the proliferation, including or especially, in the online environment of anti-Semitism, hate speech and conspiracy myths. Although extreme manifestations of ethnic and religious violence are fortunately not present in Romania, in the current global context we cannot deny the risk that in Romania radicalisation may become a growing phenomenon in society, and the exposure of citizens to such phenomena may lead to a divergence of extremist ideologies,” reads the prime minister’s message presented on Wednesday during the 5th edition of the Congress of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania by the head of the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, Mihai Ghigiu.

According to the prime minister, „this picture” is compounded by a still deficient knowledge among the population of Romania’s role in the Holocaust and the tragedy of the victims.

He also said that the state authorities are considering the implementation of educational projects dedicated to students to contribute to a better knowledge of the Holocaust and its consequences.

AGERPRES