His Majesty King Michael I of Romania’s Statement

May 10, 2007, Elisabeta Palace

Upon being granted the Hanno R. Ellenbogen Citizenship Award
by the Prague Society for International Co-operation

I am receiving this award in a spirit of trust in my country’s future. For 140 years, Romania’s Sovereigns have made sacrifices to steer the country towards European and Atlantic values, institutions and alliances. This is what King Carol I - the greatest Romanian modern Head of State did, this is what my grandparents, King Ferdinand and Queen Marie did. Indeed, this has also been my own vision for Romania, even during the years of my exile.

Trans-Atlantic values will shine onto Romania as brightly as a lighthouse: the rule of law, stable institutions, democracy and prosperity, as well as all human and minority rights, together with the inviolable right to the possession and protection of private property.

Institutions such as the Royal House, the Church and the Romanian Academy can and will inspire and contribute to the nation’s values of generosity and responsibility and the power of personal example. Such attributes are great blessings, which are to be cultivated and encouraged.

Standing upon the threshold of a European and Atlantic institutional future, the Romanian Nation has still to make a historical decision. This decision is not a political one, but  one that bears upon identity and statehood, and which engages Romania’s future. In full  respect of our traditions and of democracy, Romania needs to shape a European Constitution, which gives a clear, unequivocal and complementary role to State Institutions.

Anything that may distance us from such a will would weaken our country and attract increasing contestation. By this historical will however, Romania would accomplish its economic and social reconstruction.

I had the honour to become King of Romania exactly 80 years ago, in 1927, when none of today’s politicians were even born. My oath as King demanded that I guard the Constitution and the Laws of the Romanian people, as well as maintain its national rights and territorial integrity. That oath told me that the love of one’s country and the care for its future must be our sole aim.

In the name of so many decades of service to the Nation, I ask you all to lay aside any other considerations, act solely for the good of the Nation, and give Romania a Fundamental Law that will ensure lasting stability and guide it towards the future.

Michael R