In Times of Trouble, Raise Your Flag High: A Cry for Freedom in Romania - thediplomaticaffairs.com

Geneva, Switzerland

Op-Ed World March 27, 2025

In Times of Trouble, Raise Your Flag High: A Cry for Freedom in Romania

Photo: TDC/Bucharest

There is an ancient saying that whispers through the ages, carried on the winds of history: In times of trouble, raise your flag high, as high as possible, so that it can be seen in all directions, and those who are your friends will answer your call and come to your aid. Yesterday, in the heart of Romania, this saying came alive in a way that stirred the soul and brought tears to the eyes of all who witnessed it. Tens of thousands of Romanians poured into the streets, their voices united in a thunderous cry: “Freedom, free elections, and the second round back!” Their protest was not just a demonstration; it was a desperate plea for the most fundamental of human rights—the right to choose their own destiny. The air was thick with emotion, a mixture of anger, hope, and an unyielding determination to reclaim what had been stolen from them. The roots of this outcry lie in the shocking events of December 6, 2024, when the Romanian government, in a move that stunned the free world, decided to cancel the presidential elections entirely. This decision came after Calin Georgescu, a popular and conservative candidate, won the first round of the elections.

The government’s actions were seen as a blatant attempt to suppress the will of the people. But the blow did not end there. On April 9, 2025, the Central Electoral Bureau dealt another devastating strike by banning Georgescu from running in the upcoming elections in May.

For the Romanian people, this was not just a political crisis; it was a betrayal of their democracy, a betrayal of their hopes, and a betrayal of their very identity. And so, they took to the streets, their hearts heavy but their spirits unbroken. Amid the vast sea of tricolor flags—symbols of Romania’s pride and resilience—one flag stood out, a beacon of hope in the darkness: the flag of the United States. It was a powerful, emotional moment, a silent yet profound message to the world. The Romanians were not just protesting; they were calling out to the free world, to their friends and allies, to stand with them in their hour of need.

As the crowds chanted and the flags waved, one could not help but feel the weight of their desperation. They were not just fighting for themselves; they were fighting for the principles that bind all free nations together—the principles of democracy, justice, and the right to self-determination. Their cry was a reminder that freedom is not a given; it is something that must be fought for, protected, and cherished.

But as the night fell and the crowds dispersed, one question lingered in the air, heavy and unanswered: Who will answer their call? The Romanians have raised their flag high, and it can be seen in all directions. They have made their plea, and their voices echo across borders. Now, the world must decide whether it will stand by and watch or rise to the occasion and lend its support.

In times of trouble, the true measure of friendship is not in words but in actions. The Romanian people are waiting, their hearts filled with hope but also with fear. They have done their part; they have raised their flag. The question now is: Who will answer?

The world is watching. History is watching. And the Romanian people, with their flags held high and their hearts on their sleeves are waiting for their friends to come to their aid.

Will you answer the call?

By Ovidiu Stanica

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