site.btaRomanian Prime Ministers Nastase, Dancila Victory Parade Participation in China Causes Scandal in Bucharest

Former prime ministers from Romania's Social Democratic Party, Adrian Nastase and Viorica Dancila, attended the Victory Parade in Beijing. The two appeared in photos alongside leaders such as Vladimir Putin (Russia), Kim Jong-un (North Korea), and Xi Jinping (China), according to local media reports. This caused a scandal in Romania.

The first official reaction came from Foreign Minister Oana Toiu, who said in an interview with Digi24 that Romania is not and cannot be represented by politicians who occupy a place of honor in a photo next to Putin. She added that the Romanian embassy in China received an official invitation, but no one attended because members of the government distance themselves from Vladimir Putin's practices.

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said in an interview with Europa FM that two people, even if they are high-ranking officials, have the freedom to do what they deem appropriate, to attend events that they consider valuable or that they want to attend. They do not bind Romania because they do not have institutional representation in public office, he noted. 

President Nicusor Dan commented to Agerpres that these are two individuals who are free and who did not act on behalf of the Romanian state, and argued tgat this gesture does not affect Romania's image.

Against this backdrop, the Chinese Embassy in Bucharest thanked Adrian Nastase and Viorica Dancila on Facebook for their participation in the ceremonies organized in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. A photo of the two former prime ministers was also posted on the diplomatic mission's website.

"I participated in today's event as a former high-ranking representative, that is, as a private individual. I did not in any way want to represent the current political leadership. I think the Foreign Ministry did not understand that the event took place in Beijing, not Moscow. No matter how great my influence in China may be, I do not think I can decide who President Xi should invite to his country. Just as I cannot decide who President Trump should invite to Alaska. Someday I will have to explain in more detail the importance of memory in foreign policy," Adrian Năstase wrote in his blog.

Viorica Dancila's reaction was similar. She told the Gandul newspaper that she is not the one who makes the guest list for the President of the People's Republic of China, and was honored that that the President of such a powerful country invited me to such an event. She added that she is concerned about Romania's relations with China and wants them to develop. She also commented that she would participate in events in other countries if invited.