Romania's Interim PM Marks 1990 Mineriada Anniversary, Urges State Support for Citizens

Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan marked the 36th anniversary of Romania's most violent "Mineriada" on Saturday with a message reflecting on the June 13-15, 1990 events. He stated that the state must always stand with its citizens, never against them.

"36 years ago, Romania experienced one of the most painful moments of its democratic beginning," Bolojan wrote on Facebook. "The Mineriada of June 13-15, 1990, meant violence against its own citizens. People exercising their right to opinion and protest were beaten, humiliated, illegally arrested, and silenced by force. There were deaths, injuries, and traumas that remain open to this day."

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36 years ago, Romania experienced one of the most painful moments of its democratic beginning. The Mineriada of June 13-15, 1990, meant violence against its own citizens. People exercising their right to opinion and protest were beaten, humiliated, illegally arrested, and silenced by force. There were deaths, injuries, and traumas that remain open to this day.

Bolojan stressed that democracy encompasses more than just elections. It requires respect for freedom of expression, fundamental rights, and the dignity of every citizen. He asserted that 36 years later, the duty is to keep the memory of the victims alive and teach younger generations that the state's role is to support its people.

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Truth, justice, and acknowledging the past mean respect for those who suffered and the consolidation of a democracy where such abuses can never happen again.

"Truth, justice, and acknowledging the past mean respect for those who suffered and the consolidation of a democracy where such abuses can never happen again," he concluded. "Today we bow before the victims of the Mineriada. In a democratic Romania, violence and repression can never be instruments of power."

The 1990 Mineriada saw miners, encouraged by then-President Ion Iliescu, descend on Bucharest. They violently dispersed student protesters in University Square, attacking buildings and independent media outlets. The events resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, leaving deep scars on Romania's post-communist transition.

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In a democratic Romania, violence and repression can never be instruments of power.