Romanian and Moldovan presidents denounce extremist rhetoric, recall Holocaust

Romanian President Nicușor Dan marked the commemoration of the 1941 Iași pogrom at the Jewish Cemetery, warning that hateful discourse is resurfacing across Romania and Europe. He stressed the duty to honour the victims, stating, “Avem datoria de a ne pleca frunțile în fața memoriei victimelor și de a reafirma, cu deplină responsabilitate, angajamentul nostru față de adevărul istoric.” Dan linked the remembrance to a broader call for education and vigilance against antisemitism, racism and hate speech.

In a parallel address to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Moldovan President Igor Dodon urged European leaders not to overlook signs of extremism. Citing the resurgence of extremist ideologies and the glorification of controversial historical figures, Dodon said, “Nimeni să nu ignore semnele de extremism, intoleranță sau retorică neofascistă, oriunde s-ar manifesta acestea – în Moldova sau în orice altă parte a Europei.” Both leaders highlighted the importance of preserving democratic values and confronting historical revisionism.

Their speeches underscore a shared regional concern that past atrocities must inform present policies to prevent a repeat of hate-fuelled violence.