President Nicușor Dan acknowledges corruption in Romania, says public discontent is justified

President Nicușor Dan used his National Day speech on Monday, December 1, to offer a blunt view of Romania, which he said is still “a corrupt country,” but noting that the situation has improved over the past 20 years. Speaking at the Cotroceni Palace reception, he said Romanians are justified in feeling that the state lacks the will to fight corruption and in being frustrated when “corrupt people give moral lessons on television.”

In his speech, the president urged citizens to view Romania’s current moment with “balance and lucidity.” He acknowledged that living standards have declined compared to last year, but stressed that conditions remain far better than two decades ago and more favorable than in several neighboring countries.