Ploiești statue controversy erupts after multicolor painting

A cultural controversy has erupted in Ploiești, Romania, following the multicolor painting of the 'Domnul Goe' statue at the South Railway Station. The intervention was part of the fifth edition of the ARTOWN Now urban art project.

Political figures and local organizations have reacted strongly. The PSD Ploiești party condemned the act as 'ideological mutilation' and 'rainbow propaganda,' arguing that the colors associated with the LGBT movement deface a national cultural symbol. PNL Deputy Mircea Roșca also expressed disapproval, citing a need to respect Christian values and local traditions.

In response, the artists involved and project organizers clarified that the work was intended as a contemporary reinterpretation of Ion Luca Caragiale’s character and was inspired by a natural rainbow rather than the Pride flag. Artist Corina Monea (OCU) stated she did not intend to provoke a cultural war but simply to create art.

Ploiești Mayor Mihai Polițeanu defended the intervention, noting that a rainbow is a sign of good weather rather than ideology. Meanwhile, the local institution SGU Ploiești has withdrawn as an institutional partner from the ARTOWN Now project, citing concerns over sensitive and polarizing ideological themes.