Statement on the 'System' from Romanian President Dan: I Will Reform the State

Romanian President Nicușor Dan made headline-grabbing statements following the NATO Summit held in Ankara. President Dan gave clear answers to the criticisms and questions directed at his speech a few weeks ago in Polonya, which caused a huge public reaction when he stated that he was the "head of the System." Under pressure from journalists, he explained in detail what exactly the concept of the "system" means and who it consists of. With these statements, Dan both contextualized his previous words and revealed his intention to make radical changes in the Romanian state structure. This new stance displayed by the officials finds a wide place in the country's domestic political agenda.

Defining the system as a holistic structure formed by all authorities, institutions, and power relations within the state, Dan emphasized that this structure must absolutely operate through legitimate means. However, he also openly admitted that certain individuals and groups within the Romanian state use power and authority through illegal means. The President stated that fighting these illegitimate structures by acting solely with a non-governmental organization (NGO) logic would be insufficient. He expressed that his constitutional powers provide him with a broad area to govern the state and resolve these problems fundamentally. In this context, Dan stated that no power pushing the legal boundaries of the state will be tolerated and the supremacy of the law will be ensured.

One of the most important points highlighted in Dan's statements was his promise to initiate a decisive reform process in state institutions by utilizing his constitutional powers. He stated that the administrative experience he gained as the former Mayor of the capital, Bükreş, will now be used to improve the state structure across the country. He emphasized that during this process, he preferred not merely to be a critic, but to be in a position to directly influence decisions and govern the state. With the legitimacy and power received from the voters, he set his main goal as transforming the Romanian state into a more transparent, accountable, and fully law-abiding structure. Dan also guaranteed that the steps to be taken in this direction would not be allowed to drag the country into chaos.

The President also made references to his statements a few weeks ago in Polonya, which sparked great controversy. During his Polonya visit, he had stated that he fought the system for 20 years, but he is now in the position of the top executive of the system, and therefore he would act not like an outside opponent, but like an internal reformer. He stated that, unlike people who merely produce slogans and criticize the system from the outside, he wants to have the tools to make real change. He stated that instead of empty rhetoric, he would transform the system from within by taking concrete steps, and that he would always be determined and action-oriented like a dog that prefers to 'bite.' This metaphor actually clearly reveals the summary of Dan's political style and vision.

Nicușor Dan, outlining his political vision for the future, emphasized that his country should not consume its energy in unnecessary internal strife. He emphasized that a clear distinction must be maintained between Romania's pro-Western policies and the factions opposed to this cooperation. He reminded that the country is in a critical geopolitical position and that strategic values such as NATO membership should never be put at risk. In this regard, he argued that strengthening international connections and implementing a solid state reform domestically should be treated as complementary elements. Dan's words reveal both his determination to ensure internal stability and the importance he gives to the strategic role Romania plays on the international stage.