The presence of former Prime Ministers Adrian Nastase and Viorica Dancila at the military parade in Beijing is ‘a slap in the face to Romania, to democracy and to pro-European values,’ National Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu said on Wednesday.

In a photograph made public on Wednesday, the two former Romanian prime ministers are seen standing alongside the presidents of China and the Russian Federation.

‘It is a slap in the face to Romania, to democracy, to pro-Europeanism, a slap they are delivering from afar to our allies. This is an unacceptable decision from politicians who once held important positions of responsibility in Romania. I have little else to add, except to say I am deeply disappointed. I was aware of their political leanings and friendships, but it appears they have forgotten that when you represent your country at the highest level, and you take oaths of office, those oaths are for life. They seem to sway whichever way the wind blows,’ said Mosteanu at Parliament.

According to the Defence minister, the two former prime ministers ‘represent Romania’s past.’

‘The present and future of Romania lie at Cotroceni [Presidential Palace], in Parliament and in the Government. And I say this unequivocally: Romania’s entire leadership is pro-European and pro-Euro-Atlantic. We send signals every day, every week, by attending all events where the future of Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community is being shaped. Our partners have no doubt about the direction Romania is taking today. Therefore, Nastase and Dancila represent nothing more than the past,’ minister Ionut Mosteanu said.

AGERPRES