Romania's Fascist Legacy Fuels Nationalist Rhetoric

Efforts to rename streets honoring war criminals reveal a growing hesitance among Romanians to acknowledge their past, prompting the rise of ultranationalist sentiments.

In Romania, the resurgence of ultranationalist sentiments is illustrated by the rise of a politician capitalizing on public amnesia regarding the country's fascist history from World War II. Experts warn that this development reflects a broader trend of avoidance towards acknowledging the actions of prominent figures who participated in the injustices of the time.

Diana Mardarovici, a city councilor in Bucharest, faced stunning resistance when she proposed renaming a major avenue dedicated to Mircea Vulcanescu, a noted philosopher and fervent nationalist who was convicted of war crimes. Mardarovici believed the change was an easy sell—a removal of tribute to a historical figure whose involvement in persecution and atrocities against Jews during Romania's alignment with Nazi Germany was undeniable. “I thought this would be peanuts, a piece of cake,” she reflected on the proposal that never made it to a vote.

Despite their denials of hatred or affiliation, many of Mardarovici’s fellow councilors are reluctant to confront the crimes of men they perceive as cultural heroes. The struggle to remove such symbols highlights a deeper sentiment among some Romanians who fear that grappling with historical guilt may undermine national pride, stoking a dangerous narrative that favors celebration over reflection.

As Romania's political landscape shifts, the glorification of historical figures with fascist ties continues, raising alarm among historians and sociologists that this trend could lead to a reiteration of nationalism and an embrace of ideals that many may prefer to overlook. The reluctance to engage in this uncomfortable discourse could have long-lasting implications for the nation’s democratic evolution and identity.