The mayor of Timisoara, Dominic Fritz, is the first mayor in Romania to join the Pact of Free Cities, initiated in 2019 by the mayors of Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava and Budapest.

Timisoara has thus become part of a network of cities committed to rebuilding and strengthening democracy, supporting free and fair elections, supporting democratic movements around the world and engaging in actions to bridge the urban-rural divide. The network also includes Rome, Amsterdam, Berlin and Los Angeles.

„Timisoara’s model is built on a simple but powerful principle: diversity fuels innovation, and innovation generates prosperity. This model is not unique. Many cities in the Pact of Free Cities share this vision. From Prague to Warsaw, Budapest to Bratislava, we see democratic cities leading the way, demonstrating that European values can create tangible benefits for all. This is why our collaboration is so important. Together, we don’t just defend democracy, we make it work,” said Mayor Dominic Fritz, according to a press release sent by Save Romania Union (USR) on Sunday.

Deputy Mayor of Timisoara Paula Romocean emphasized the „crucial” role that local governments play in protecting democracy at the 2025 Pact of Free Cities meeting.

„With Mayor Dominic Fritz joining the pact, Timisoara becomes part of one of the most influential networks of European cities dedicated to the defence of democracy. At a time when democracy is more fragile than ever, cities – the closest form of government to citizens – have a crucial role in rebuilding trust and offering concrete solutions for the future of Europe,” emphasized Paula Romocean.

AGERPRES