The U.S. Embassy is disappointed by the National Bank of Romania’s decision to honor former interwar National Bank Governor Mihail Manoilescu through the release of coins bearing his image.  Manoilescu was an active promoter of and contributor to fascist ideology and anti-Semitic sentiment in Romania, which ultimately led to the country’s darkest period.  While the U.S. Embassy acknowledges Romania’s right to celebrate the traditions of its institutions, these celebrations should not include images of people who have been condemned by history and, through honoring them, validate them.  Doing so runs counter to Romania’s establishment of democratic institutions, its embrace of the rule of law, and its protection of fundamental human rights.

By U.S. Mission Romania | 13 May, 2016 | Topics: Press Releases | Tags: anti-semitic, România