Roma Foundation for Europe network condemns racist remarks by Romanian minister, calls for accountability

The incident raises serious concerns about respect for equality and human dignity by senior government officials in Romania, a member state of the European Union that has committed itself to upholding the Union’s core values.

Asked during a televised interview about his accommodation arrangements as minister, Mr Miruță said he would “not move, like a gypsy with a tent”, using a widely recognised racist expression that draws on degrading stereotypes portraying Roma as unstable and lacking dignity. The remark was made during a public broadcast and cannot be dismissed as a private comment or a harmless figure of speech.

The comments are particularly troubling given that Mr Miruță has been publicly discussed as a potential future Minister of Defence. The Ministry of Defence plays a central role in safeguarding all citizens and in representing the state within NATO and the European security framework. Leadership associated with such responsibilities requires an unequivocal commitment to democratic principles, equal citizenship, and social cohesion.

“When a senior official resorts to racist language, it sends a signal about whose rights and dignity are taken seriously,” Banu said. “This is incompatible with senior public office and with Romania’s obligations as a member of the European Union.”

In light of this, Roma for Democracy Romania calls on President Nicușor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, and the leader of the Save Romania Union (USR), Dominic Fritz, not to appoint Radu Miruță as Minister of Defence. The organisation stresses that individuals who use racist language should not be entrusted with leadership of institutions responsible for national security and democratic legitimacy.

Romania is home to one of the largest Roma populations in the EU. Roma citizens continue to face widespread exclusion from free and fair access to education, employment, housing, and political participation. In this context, the casual use of racist stereotypes by those in power reinforces patterns of discrimination rather than challenging them.

While Mr Miruță has issued a public apology, the Roma Foundation for Europe network emphasises that expressions rooted in racism cannot be resolved by apologies alone and require clear political accountability, particularly when senior leadership roles are at stake.

The network notes that a complaint has been filed with the National Council for Combating Discrimination, Romania’s equality body, in relation to the minister’s remarks.

The absence of a clear and timely response from political leadership raises additional concern. Silence in the face of racist conduct risks being interpreted as acceptance and undermines confidence in the state’s willingness to uphold its constitutional and European commitments.