Romania’s new President Klaus Iohannis took oath in the Romanian Parliament on Sunday, December 21, before starting his presidential mandate. In his inauguration speech, he thanked Romanians for granting him their trust and spoke of his goals as president.

“I thank you, all my fellow countrymen, for showing the whole world Romania’s true face. 25 years after the fall of communism you made democracy and participation triumph. I am profoundly moved by the love of country which stood behind the elections turnout, by Romanians’ aspiration to freedom and prosperity,” Iohannis said in the beginning of his speech.

He said that by the end of his mandate he wishes to transform Romania into a place where people have a different state of mind, a different social climate and where Romanians can find stability, appreciation of value and calm.

“We cannot remain a country of projects started and unfinished, from the constitution to highways,” Iohannis said.

He talked about the need for changes in the education system, in the health system and the social security system, as well as about the need for reform in the political system. He also said he will present a security strategy for Romania and that he will work to make Romania an important part of the European Union.

Iohannis also said that he will be the first to work so that the high expectations Romanians now have will not become high disillusions.

“It is an honour for me to be this nation’s President. I wish being a part of this nation to be an authentic honour and pride for each Romanian. I put my whole strength and competence to the disposal of the Romanian people, so that in five years we can say that Romania is the country which stunned the world with its transformation and reconstruction,” he concluded.

editor@romania-insider.com