August 23 shows the difference that a single person can make in the face of the hatred promoted by totalitarian regimes, President Klaus Iohannis said on Friday, evoking King Mihai I in a message on the occasion of the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Fascism and Communism.

„Today marks the 80th anniversary since the crucial decision of King Mihai I, who understood the duty he owed to his people and his country and acted with responsibility and dignity, thus changing the course of the events of the Second World War and saving Romania from an imminent disaster,” said the head of state.

Klaus Iohannis affirms that the European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Fascism and Communism is „an occasion to remember and honor the memory of the victims of totalitarian regimes established on the European continent and the sacrifices of all those who did not give up the fight against them, for democracy and freedom”.

At the same time, Iohannis recalls that 85 years ago the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed, „a terrible agreement that led to the sacrifice of millions of people for the interests of criminal regimes”.

Klaus Iohannis recalls the horrors of those times, but also the courage shown by some people in that context.

„The Nazi and Soviet policies led to Holocaust and genocide, deportations, the separation of families, famine and numerous abuses. These horrors have left scars and trauma that have affected entire generations, forced to face the poverty and persecution of totalitarian regimes. Even under the threat of harsh punishments, people could not be silenced and found the strength to overcome the censorship of the times, and the example of those who resisted the oppressors remains written in history as proof of strength of character and determination,” says the head of state.

He believes that Europe is now a safer place and Romania has become a pillar of regional stability and security.

„Our country is actively contributing to the defense of democratic values and principles and is a model in terms of promoting a world order based on rules and respect for international law,” affirms president Iohannis.

He talks about the current challenges and possible solutions to them.

„We see how today, in various forms, populism and hate speech are once again making their presence felt and this is precisely why the vigilance of the entire society is necessary, so as not to expose ourselves to the risk that all these values to which Romania has adhered become irrelevant.In this sense, it is imperative to oppose any kind of deviations from the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms and to be aware of the danger posed by the rise of extremist forces that threaten democracy,” Klaus Iohannis transmits.

According to the president, inaction has facilitated the spread of racism, discrimination and intolerance.

„Today we renew our commitment to react when democratic values are endangered. Defending and promoting the historical truth is a duty of honor to the victims of totalitarianism and to the younger generations, who need to learn about the tragic past and to grow and prosper in a peaceful and united world. We have, each of us, the power to respond and to act when values and essential principles are being jeopardized, as well as the responsibility to support those who fight to preserve freedom and democracy,” Klaus Iohannis stressed.

August 23, the day of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was established by the European Parliament, through a Declaration in 2008, as the European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of all totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes. At the same time, in 2011, the Romanian Parliament, by Law no. 198, declared August 23 the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Fascism and Communism.

AGERPRES