The discussion about the possible delivery of a Patriot system from Romania to Ukraine is of utmost importance and can only be conducted by very knowledgeable individuals well-versed in all the coordinates. It is not a suitable subject for public debate because it requires military knowledge far beyond what the vast majority of citizens, journalists, and politicians possess.
Such decisions are made after thorough analysis and are communicated in an explanatory and well-argued manner to the public, with the understanding that some will be disappointed and react negatively.
But making a correct decision in the national interest, once correctly identified, comes with a political cost and is part of the heavy burden of a true statesman. Something that Romania lacks.
Mr. Iohannis seemed somewhat surprised by this topic raised in the discussion in the Oval Office: "And Biden brought this up, and I said I am open to discussing such issues, meaning that I will have to discuss this at home, in the Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT), to see how we can address the issue, what we can offer, and what we can receive in return, because it is unacceptable for Romania to remain without anti-aircraft defense. I believe we will find a solution."
So, the press had raised the issue with him, but the president was unaware that the topic would be on the discussion agenda. If that's the case, the amateurism is incredible. However, it is no better if he knew but went unprepared for the topic, as his response suggests.
Then, what does the president imply? That someone wants Romania to be left without anti-aircraft defense and he refuses?
The fact is that Mr. Iohannis has thrown such a sensitive topic into the electoral campaign. Probably one of the greatest displays of irresponsibility possible.
And, as I was saying, the topic is not suitable for public debate. Even less so for an electoral one where every politician feels obligated not only to give their opinion on television about what they do not know but also to position themselves as advantageously as possible for the elections.
People listen, they do not know what to believe, they have nothing to understand. The Minister of Defense does not want to disclose much, Prime Minister Ciolacu is making all sorts of turns and not stating what he wants, unless he truly does not know, Mr. Iohannis returned from the USA days ago and did not deem it necessary to make any statement, probably too busy searching for a position abroad.
And the rest of the politicians also say whatever comes to their minds: not to be left without defense, not to upset Russia, all paying close attention to the AUR-type electorate.
The transactional key in which Mr. Iohannis has placed the discussion is also inappropriate. Certainly, any such decision must involve negotiation, with each party seeing its own national interest. But that is not the issue: what do you give in return?
I dare to hope, but without certainty, that Mr. Iohannis did not consider his future position as the bargaining chip.
And in this context, politicians certainly feel entitled, even obliged, to express opinions on what could be given in return, each according to their own expertise.
There is only one point of agreement in the chaos: the decision must be made in the CSAT. However, the date of the CSAT meeting has not yet been set. Mr. Iohannis is not rushing while the topic is being tossed around in the electoral arena, so that the final decision, whatever it may be, will be even harder to accept.
If it has become public at the worst possible moment, it is very difficult to understand why the president did not feel the need to lead it in a professional and serious manner or at least give the impression that he is doing so.