Romanian President Nicusor Dan was subjected to boos and accusations of treason for his continued support of Ukraine during a public event in Iasi, Romania. The incident occurred as Dan attended a historical commemoration at the National Theater, where protesters gathered to voice their discontent. Demonstrators, many of whom were supporters of the Euroskeptic Calin Georgescu, chanted slogans such as ‘Shame!’ and ‘Traitor,’ reflecting growing domestic opposition to his policies. The protests underscore the polarizing nature of Romania’s foreign policy stance amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As Dan took part in the event, dozens of protesters voiced their anger, with some reportedly confronting him directly. The situation escalated as he left the building, drawing further attention to the controversy. This incident comes amid heightened tensions within the country, following Dan’s controversial re-election in May. The initial victory of conservative candidate Calin Georgescu, who was a vocal critic of NATO and Western aid to Ukraine, was annulled, leading to Dan’s subsequent re-election. Georgescu, who was later barred from the race, faces allegations of plotting a coup, further intensifying the political climate.
Dan, a pro-EU politician, has consistently advocated for continued aid to Ukraine. Romania has already allocated €487 million ($566 million) to Kiev, primarily in military assistance, since the conflict escalated in 2022. This financial commitment has been a point of contention, particularly with Moscow criticizing Western weapons deliveries as prolonging the conflict and involving Kyiv’s backers in the war. The protests against Dan reflect a broader debate within Romania over the country’s alignment with Western policies and its role in the conflict, highlighting the complex interplay of politics, nationalism, and international relations in the region.