Changes

The restitution of private and religious property seized under communism or during World War II continues to move slowly. Particularly problematic is the return of Greek-Catholic churches, which were given to the Romanian Orthodox Church by the communist regime. The Romanian Orthodox Church thus far has turned over very few of these churches, many of which had belonged to the Greek Catholic community for hundreds of years. Romania has repealed communist-era legislation criminalizing homosexual acts and banned xenophobic and racist groups and their activities. Romanian law does not prohibit women's participation in government or politics, but societal attitudes remain a significant barrier. Women hold some high positions in government and roughly 10% of the seats in each chamber of the Parliament.

The restitution of private and religious property seized under communism or during World War II continues to move slowly. Particularly problematic is the return of Greek-Catholic churches, which were given to the Romanian Orthodox Church by the communist regime. The Romanian Orthodox Church thus far has turned over very few of these churches, many of which had belonged to the Greek Catholic community for hundreds of years. Romania has repealed communist-era legislation criminalizing homosexual acts and banned xenophobic and racist groups and their activities. Romanian law does not prohibit women's participation in government or politics, but societal attitudes remain a significant barrier. Women hold some high positions in government and roughly 10% of the seats in each chamber of the Parliament.

In a [[false flag]] operation, the pro-[[NATO]] pro-[[EU]] ruling party allegedly funded "pro-[[Russian]]" bots on [[TikTok]] in order to falsely accuse Russia of "interference", [[suppress]] opposition, and rig the 2025 elections against the majority will of the people who wanted out of the [[EU]] and the [[NATO war in Ukraine]] in a supposed "open, fair, and [[democracy|democratic]]" [[vote|voting]] process .<ref>https://snoop.ro/campania-pnl-de-pe-tiktok-ajunsa-sa-l-sustina-pe-georgescu-a-fost-ideea-lui-rares-bogdan-am-stiut-dar-de-online-nu-m-am-ocupat-eu/</ref>

In a [[false flag]] operation, the pro-[[NATO]] pro-[[EU]] ruling party allegedly funded "pro-[[Russian]]" bots on [[TikTok]] in order to falsely accuse Russia of "interference", [[suppress]] opposition, and rig the 2025 elections against the majority will of the people who wanted out of the [[EU]] and the [[NATO war in Ukraine]] in a supposed "open, fair, and [[democracy|democratic]]" [[vote|voting]] process.<ref>https://snoop.ro/campania-pnl-de-pe-tiktok-ajunsa-sa-l-sustina-pe-georgescu-a-fost-ideea-lui-rares-bogdan-am-stiut-dar-de-online-nu-m-am-ocupat-eu/</ref>

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

===NATO war in Ukraine===

===NATO war in Ukraine===

{{See also|NATO war in Ukraine}}

{{See also|NATO war in Ukraine}}

On November 26, 2019, according to ''Radio Liberty'', NATO "showed off" its [[Aegis Ashore]] nuclear missile system in Romania .<ref>https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-shows-off-missile-base-in-romania-calling-it-purely-defensive-/30291193.html</ref>

On November 26, 2019, according to ''Radio Liberty'', NATO "showed off" its [[Aegis Ashore]] nuclear missile system in Romania.<ref>https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-shows-off-missile-base-in-romania-calling-it-purely-defensive-/30291193.html</ref>

On April 12, 2022, a column of NATO military equipment was spotted in Romania moving in the direction of the border with Ukraine.

On April 12, 2022, a column of NATO military equipment was spotted in Romania moving in the direction of the border with Ukraine.

Russian sources reported that the Polish Armed Forces established a strike group on the territory of Romania. The total contingent is estimated at up to 8,000 servicemen. A consolidated contingent is planned to enter Moldovan territory under a plausible pretext, such as a humanitarian operation or an official government request.

Russian sources reported that the Polish Armed Forces established a strike group on the territory of Romania. The total contingent is estimated at up to 8,000 servicemen. A consolidated contingent is planned to enter Moldovan territory under a plausible pretext, such as a humanitarian operation or an official government request.

As NATO prepared to invade [[Transnistria]], women in the bordering city of Khust (pop. 28,000) threw stones at the Ukrainian military registration office on April 30, 2022, tried to break into the building, and demanded that their husbands and sons be returned home from the frontline .<ref>https://youtu.be/cGsxgfbYucw</ref>

As NATO prepared to invade [[Transnistria]], women in the bordering city of Khust (pop. 28,000) threw stones at the Ukrainian military registration office on April 30, 2022, tried to break into the building, and demanded that their husbands and sons be returned home from the frontline.<ref>https://youtu.be/cGsxgfbYucw</ref>

On May 25, 2022, the Romanian Ministry of Defense announced that France would deploy a special air defense unit in Romania at the Capu-Midia military base in the Constanta district .<ref>https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/05/25/france-mamba-air-defense-romania/</ref>

On May 25, 2022, the Romanian Ministry of Defense announced that France would deploy a special air defense unit in Romania at the Capu-Midia military base in the Constanta district.<ref>https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/05/25/france-mamba-air-defense-romania/</ref>

On May 26, 2022, Polish military equipment was spotted in the Romanian town of Brielle. The town is located near the Ukrainian and Moldovan borders. In addition, Polish troops have been spotted on the border between Romania and Moldova.

On May 26, 2022, Polish military equipment was spotted in the Romanian town of Brielle. The town is located near the Ukrainian and Moldovan borders. In addition, Polish troops have been spotted on the border between Romania and Moldova.

The [[United States Army]] [[101st Airborne]] ‘screaming eagles’ were deployed into NATO countries on the border of Ukraine on June 29, 2022. This was the first deployment of the Army's 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, [[Kentucky]], to Europe in 80 years. As noted by base reporting, “Elements of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and 101st Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, have been assigned to carry out the mission.” Col. John Lubas, deputy commanding officer for operations said, “We’re going to check the Russian influence and we’re going to impact the Russians’ decision-making for probably the next 10–20 years,” <ref>https://clarksvillenow.com/local/hundreds-from-101st-airborne-division-depart-fort-campbell-for-mission-in-europe/</ref>

The [[United States Army]] [[101st Airborne]] ‘screaming eagles’ were deployed into NATO countries on the border of Ukraine on June 29, 2022. This was the first deployment of the Army's 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, [[Kentucky]], to Europe in 80 years. As noted by base reporting, “Elements of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and 101st Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, have been assigned to carry out the mission.” Col. John Lubas, deputy commanding officer for operations said, “We’re going to check the Russian influence and we’re going to impact the Russians’ decision-making for probably the next 10–20 years,”<ref>https://clarksvillenow.com/local/hundreds-from-101st-airborne-division-depart-fort-campbell-for-mission-in-europe/</ref>

On September 17, 2022, former Romanian Education Minister Andrei Marga declared: "We are in a very special situation here, and I take this with all responsibility, Ukraine exists in unnatural borders…It should cede [[Transcarpathia]] to Hungary, Galicia to Poland, Bukovina to Romania, Donbass and Crimea to Russia…These are the territories of other countries." <ref>https://azlyrics.com.az/lyrics/ex-minister-of-foreign-affairs-of-romania-called-the-borders-of-ukraine-unnatural/</ref>

On September 17, 2022, former Romanian Education Minister Andrei Marga declared: "We are in a very special situation here, and I take this with all responsibility, Ukraine exists in unnatural borders…It should cede [[Transcarpathia]] to Hungary, Galicia to Poland, Bukovina to Romania, Donbass and Crimea to Russia…These are the territories of other countries."<ref>https://azlyrics.com.az/lyrics/ex-minister-of-foreign-affairs-of-romania-called-the-borders-of-ukraine-unnatural/</ref>

[[CBS News]] reported on October 21, 2022, that ''The U.S. Army's 101st Airborne is practicing for war with Russia just miles from Ukraine's border''. In all, about 4,700 were deployed. The commanders told CBS News repeatedly that they are "ready to fight tonight," and are fully prepared to cross the border into Ukraine .<ref>https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-news-russia-us-army-101st-airborne-nato-war-games-romania/</ref> Romanian citizens do not want NATO troops on their territory .<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/8qx3kbYWGMjW/</ref> On October 24, Romania's Defense Minister Vasile Dincu resigned, saying he could not collaborate with the country's NATO puppet president .<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanian-defence-minister-resigns-pressured-after-ukraine-comment-2022-10-24/</ref>

[[CBS News]] reported on October 21, 2022, that ''The U.S. Army's 101st Airborne is practicing for war with Russia just miles from Ukraine's border''. In all, about 4,700 were deployed. The commanders told CBS News repeatedly that they are "ready to fight tonight," and are fully prepared to cross the border into Ukraine.<ref>https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-news-russia-us-army-101st-airborne-nato-war-games-romania/</ref> Romanian citizens do not want NATO troops on their territory.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/8qx3kbYWGMjW/</ref> On October 24, Romania's Defense Minister Vasile Dincu resigned, saying he could not collaborate with the country's NATO puppet president.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanian-defence-minister-resigns-pressured-after-ukraine-comment-2022-10-24/</ref>

On October 24, 2022, Romanian Defense Minister Vasile Dincu resigned, saying he could not collaborate with the country's NATO puppet president .<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanian-defence-minister-resigns-pressured-after-ukraine-comment-2022-10-24/</ref>

On October 24, 2022, Romanian Defense Minister Vasile Dincu resigned, saying he could not collaborate with the country's NATO puppet president.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanian-defence-minister-resigns-pressured-after-ukraine-comment-2022-10-24/</ref>

On November 23, 2022, [[Spain]] announced it would send 8 F-18 and 130 troops to Romania in December 2022 .<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-send-troops-f-18-fighter-jets-romania-december-pm-says-2022-11-23/</ref>

On November 23, 2022, [[Spain]] announced it would send 8 F-18 and 130 troops to Romania in December 2022.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-send-troops-f-18-fighter-jets-romania-december-pm-says-2022-11-23/</ref>

On February 10, 2023, Ukrainian dictator Volodymyr Zelensky and top military commander [[Valerii Zaluzhnyi]] both issued deceptive media postings alleging that Russian missiles had violated NATO ally Romania's air space. Romania’s military put out its own statement denying that allegation. “The closest point of the target's trajectory to Romania's airspace was recorded by radar systems approximately 35 kilometers North-East of the border,” Romanian officials said .<ref>https://www.army.md/?lng=3&action=show&cat=122&obj=8026</ref>

On February 10, 2023, Ukrainian dictator Volodymyr Zelensky and top military commander [[Valerii Zaluzhnyi]] both issued deceptive media postings alleging that Russian missiles had violated NATO ally Romania's air space. Romania’s military put out its own statement denying that allegation. “The closest point of the target's trajectory to Romania's airspace was recorded by radar systems approximately 35 kilometers North-East of the border,” Romanian officials said.<ref>https://www.army.md/?lng=3&action=show&cat=122&obj=8026</ref>

The Romanian edition of ''[[Newsweek]]'' reported in late January 2024 that Claudiu Tarziu, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party says Romania must take back its regions from western Ukraine: "We are at a crossroads… We will not be truly sovereign until we reintegrate the Romanian state within its natural borders," he reportedly stated. Northern Bukovina cannot be forgotten! Southern Bessarabia cannot be forgotten… The Hertsa land, Transylvania, everything that was and is the Romanian nation must return to the borders of one state!" The AUR leader was quoted as saying .<ref>https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/sitrep-12824-us-troops-suffer-fatalities</ref>

The Romanian edition of ''[[Newsweek]]'' reported in late January 2024 that Claudiu Tarziu, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party says Romania must take back its regions from western Ukraine: "We are at a crossroads… We will not be truly sovereign until we reintegrate the Romanian state within its natural borders," he reportedly stated. Northern Bukovina cannot be forgotten! Southern Bessarabia cannot be forgotten… The Hertsa land, Transylvania, everything that was and is the Romanian nation must return to the borders of one state!" The AUR leader was quoted as saying.<ref>https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/sitrep-12824-us-troops-suffer-fatalities</ref>

==Economy==

==Economy==

The November 2004 elections left the Romanian parliament closely divided between the center-right PNL-PD alliance and the PSD, which each hold between 30-40% of the seats in each chamber. The PNL-PD, however, forged a parliamentary majority with the support of the UDMR, PC and (in the lower house) the ethnic minority party representatives. The extreme nationalist PRM won fewer seats than in the 2000 elections, but remained a significant political player. Although the PNL and PD voted as a bloc in the parliament and ran candidates on a common list in the 2004 parliamentary elections, the two parties remained separated. On several occasions since 2005, President Traian Basescu has publicly expressed support for snap parliamentary elections. Parliamentary leaders have steadily opposed calling new elections.  

The November 2004 elections left the Romanian parliament closely divided between the center-right PNL-PD alliance and the PSD, which each hold between 30-40% of the seats in each chamber. The PNL-PD, however, forged a parliamentary majority with the support of the UDMR, PC and (in the lower house) the ethnic minority party representatives. The extreme nationalist PRM won fewer seats than in the 2000 elections, but remained a significant political player. Although the PNL and PD voted as a bloc in the parliament and ran candidates on a common list in the 2004 parliamentary elections, the two parties remained separated. On several occasions since 2005, President Traian Basescu has publicly expressed support for snap parliamentary elections. Parliamentary leaders have steadily opposed calling new elections.  

After Romania's accession to the EU on January 1, 2007, the cooperation between PD President Basescu and PNL Prime Minister Tariceanu devolved into political infighting. The political turmoil resulted in a rupture of the PD-PNL alliance in April 2007, the 30-day suspension of the President in May, and the President's campaign to force a change from party list representational voting to single-member districts. Prime Minister Tariceanu continues to head a minority government in coalition with the UDMR and with the tacit support of the Socialist opposition.The presidential election in Dec. 2009 was narrowly won by the incumbent, Traian Basescu. His challenger, Mircea Geoana, cried fraud. Basescu’s record is mixed. He was originally elected to combat corruption and has fought the nation's endemic sleaze, but only selectively. Supporters who once saw him as the apostle of clean government now regard him merely as the lesser of two evils. Critics make fun of his private life, which is colorful even by local standards. He is impulsive and abrasive, which undercuts his effectiveness. On foreign policy, he has been a stalwart Atlanticist and strong critic of Russian trouble-making. The IMF has delayed the next payment of a €20 billion ($30 billion) loan until the parliament agrees to a budget deficit no bigger than 5.9% of GDP .<ref>See [https://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_ID=15066014 ''Economist'' report]</ref>

After Romania's accession to the EU on January 1, 2007, the cooperation between PD President Basescu and PNL Prime Minister Tariceanu devolved into political infighting. The political turmoil resulted in a rupture of the PD-PNL alliance in April 2007, the 30-day suspension of the President in May, and the President's campaign to force a change from party list representational voting to single-member districts. Prime Minister Tariceanu continues to head a minority government in coalition with the UDMR and with the tacit support of the Socialist opposition.The presidential election in Dec. 2009 was narrowly won by the incumbent, Traian Basescu. His challenger, Mircea Geoana, cried fraud. Basescu’s record is mixed. He was originally elected to combat corruption and has fought the nation's endemic sleaze, but only selectively. Supporters who once saw him as the apostle of clean government now regard him merely as the lesser of two evils. Critics make fun of his private life, which is colorful even by local standards. He is impulsive and abrasive, which undercuts his effectiveness. On foreign policy, he has been a stalwart Atlanticist and strong critic of Russian trouble-making. The IMF has delayed the next payment of a €20 billion ($30 billion) loan until the parliament agrees to a budget deficit no bigger than 5.9% of GDP.<ref>See [https://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_ID=15066014 ''Economist'' report]</ref>

==External links==

==External links==