Romania's former king, Michael of Romania said that the last 20 years brought democracy, freedom and the beginning of prosperity in Romania. “People travel, fulfill their dreams and try to strengthen family for the benefit of future generations. Romania has evolved over the past two decades’” said King Michael during the speech held Tuesday in front of the Parliament. However, he said that he is sad to see that, after two decades of democracy, old and sick people have to go through humiliating situations.

This was the former king's first speech in front of the Parliament after 64 years and was occasioned by his 90th anniversary.

Moreover, Romania’s former king added the policy is a “double-edged sword”, because it can bring democracy and freedom, but it can also do harm to the citizens if it is exercised in contempt of ethics, if it customizes power and disregards the fundamental purpose of the institutions of state.

King Michael went on saying that the Royal Family will continue to sustain Romania's fundamental interests, together with the country's continuity and traditions. “The royal crown is not a symbol of the past but a unique representation of our independence, sovereignty and unity,” he added.

The full speech here. 

His speech was commented by the foreign media. King Michael still manages to create a small storm in the political arena in Romania despite his age, according to Le Monde. “Despite being 90 years old, he still shakes the Romanian political class,” wrote Le Monde about the Romanian King’s speech. Read the entire article here.

King Michael delivered a speech in front of the Parliament on his 90th birthday, over 60 years after being forced to abdicate by soviet-backed communists.  Several European royal families are invited to celebrate this day in Bucharest. You can check the participants’ list here.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Royal House of Romania)