(Image Source: Antenna 3)


BY KEVIN DUBOUIS
ANCHOR LAUREN GORES
 

The late Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu would have turned 94 on Thursday. To mark the occasion, items from his private collection and family belongings are auctioned off in Bucharest. The National Web Inquirer reports, items include luxurious gifts to the late leader from other dictators.


“The auction is titled … The Golden Age, referring to how Communist party officials depicted life in Romania, despite the common citizens’ struggle with food and power shortages and the constant prospect of being arrested for unknown reasons by the secret police.”

Auctioneer Mihael Stomff explains the significance of the auction for Romanians. Euronews has his comments.

“It’s an age in Romania’s history that cannot be passed over and go unnoticed. … [W]e all lived and it’s normal to try to remember it as a stage in Romania’s development.”

Mr. Ceausescu was deposed in 1989 and executed on Dec. 25 with his wife after an expedited trial. In the past 20 years, Romania has taken the road of democracy, joining the the European Union and NATO. But the political and economic situation in Romania has become increasingly unstable because of a recent deep recession.

For two weeks, hundreds have gathered in Bucharest to protest against austerity measures. They have called on President Traian Basescu to step down. Video: BBC

The New York Times reports protesters say Basescu’s government has become increasingly authoritarian.

“They cited cuts to government salaries, frozen pensions and an increase in the value-added tax, as well as what they said was deep-seated corruption and a broader sense that the government served only its own interests and those of its richest constituents.”

On Wednesday, President Basescu delivered his first public address since the beginning of the turmoil -- hoping to calm protesters. The Associated Press reports President Basescu “acknowledged ... that some citizens lost faith in his leadership.”

The Romanian magazine Business Review explains.

“The president said he and the government will have to create the path to ‘a new country’ for Romanians, which will necessitate revising the Constitution and adopting a new election law. He also urged politicians to adopt ‘modest and decent conduct,’ and warned the parties that until they reform themselves, their claims of attempting to modernize the country will lack credibility.”

WebProNews reports on Thursday that the group Anonymous leaked Romania’s Nuclear Department database. They also posted a video to support the protests.

“We must stand united against our governments and make our voices heard, for we are the people of the world who want to put an end to the economic and monetary enslavement. Stand up Romania.”

So while Ceausescu’s belongings are up for auction, his memory is being used to attack the current president. But Basescu defends his government. The Associated Press quotes him saying “I am not a dictator.”