Romania: Civil society campaigns to repeal Vexler Law

Civil society and academic circles in Romania are increasing their efforts to repeal the Vexler Law. A recent conference titled ‘Forbidden Memory – Or how we defend our heroes, martyrs and saints from censorship’ was held in Piatra Neamț to support this campaign.

The movement has expanded its focus from cultural figures like Octavian Goga and Nicolae Iorga to include religious martyrs of the communist era, such as Father Iustin Pârvu, Father Gheorghe Calciu Dumiteasa, and Father Arsenie Papacioc. Participants at the event included MEP Claudiu Târziu, historian Dr. Elena Chiaburu, and lawyer Toni Neacșu.

Critics argue the law threatens national memory and public history by targeting statues, street names, and institution titles associated with historical figures. Legal challenges are already underway, including six actions at the Arad Tribunal and a referral to the Constitutional Court of Romania.