Iohannis: Regrettably, Centennial events and projects are being prepared in the absence of a legal framework

President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday said it is regrettable that the events and projects for the Centennial of Romania's December 1, 1918 Greater Union are being prepared in the absence of a legal framework that should have been adopted by Parliament.

"It is regrettable that the Centennial events and projects are being prepared in the absence of a legal framework, which has not yet been adopted by Parliament. It is equally regrettable that although the successive governments of the last year repeatedly announced the imminence of presenting a national centennial programme and adopting a transparent and operational support mechanism, this has not happened," the president said at the "Romania at 100" debate, organised by the Presidential Administration at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.

According to Iohannis, "the petty political game was preferred" instead of an opportunity to build political consensus, cohesion and social engagement around some modernisation projects for the country.

"I have encouraged all the governments of Romania after 2015 - there were five - to take up with utmost responsibility the role of proving through concrete and important projects, implemented with responsibility, the capacity of our country to engage in its second century. The centennial has created inside the Romanian society expectations comparable, perhaps, with the moment of Romania's accession to the European Union in 2007. Unfortunately, the petty political game has prevailed over a rare opportunity: to build political consensus, cohesion and social engagement around modernisation goals and projects, continuing the ideals of the Greater Union," said Iohannis.

In his opinion, the Centennial should not be "a mere opportunity for pump and circumstance," because as well as remembering the moments of 100 years ago, it also regards modern Romania's projects.

"We have repeatedly emphasised that the Centennial of the Greater Union should not be a mere opportunity for pump and circumstance, whether pious or joyful. The Centennial remembers not only the moments of 100 years ago, but also modern Romania's entire journey and the country's projects for its future. Furthermore, the Centennial cannot be separated from the history and fate of our continent, as our future cannot be separated from the European design which we are part of," said Iohannis.

He mentioned that the event at Cotroceni Palace was organised because he wanted to meet those who asked him to grant them his high aegis or invited him to get involved in projects and events remembering the actions of a century ago. AGERPRES (RO - author: Irinela Visan, editor: Claudia Stanescu; EN - author: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu, editor: Adina Panaitescu)