Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan was met with boos on Friday morning on the Casino Promenade in Constanța when he approached the platform to deliver the official speech for Romanian Navy Day.
The hostile reaction from part of the audience (which can be heard on the official recording from the Government) did not visibly disturb the Prime Minister, who smiled and calmly waited for the end of the public demonstrations before starting his address.
In his speech, Bolojan thanked the Romanian sailors for their professionalism and courage, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Naval Forces in the current security context.
"If today Romania is a safe country, a member of the North Atlantic Alliance, if we can celebrate this important day in peace, it is also thanks to the Romanian Naval Forces," the Prime Minister said.
Ilie Bolojan expressed gratitude to the families of the sailors for their support and sacrifices, stating that without motivated and well-trained people, as well as modern equipment, Romania cannot have high-performing naval forces. He assured that the Government will continue to support the modernization and equipping of the Army.
At the same time, the Prime Minister called for the strategic development of Constanța, which he considers essential for national progress:
"The development of our country cannot be achieved without the development of Constanța, without harnessing the logistic hub potential of the Port of Constanța, the energy potential of Dobrogea, and the people of this region."
Bolojan concluded with a message of confidence in Romania's future and a wish for all those involved in the naval field:
"I have confidence in Romanians and in Romania! Many years to you, may the Mother of God protect you, may God watch over Romania!"
The Prime Minister's presence at the Navy Day ceremonies comes at a delicate moment, marked by social tensions arising from austerity measures, which were also felt in the public reactions at the event.
On the other hand, President Nicușor Dan is not present at the Navy Day festivities in Constanța, but he sent an official message to Romanians and the Naval Forces, emphasizing national unity and the strategic importance of the Black Sea region.
Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu stated that the President did not attend the seaside festivities because he is "on vacation," but "he will be with Romanians elsewhere," without providing details.