Hate Will Not Win

This week, several pro-democracy organizations and activists in Romania received death threats from a paramilitary group that openly stated that they would support the far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu by hunting down and killing people.  

This is no TikTok joke. This is the beginning of the end of the world as we know it. Today, we stand at a crossroads that will define the future of democracy and freedom—not only in Romania but across Europe. 

What will we, as a society, do now?

If we remain silent today, what will happen tomorrow to those who dare to resist? Will they face elimination simply for standing up for their beliefs? 

In recent days, Roma for Democracy Romania, a member of the Roma Foundation for Europe network advocating for the rights of one of the most marginalized communities, has been the target of vile death threats. We don’t even know how many other organizations and communities received similar threats. 

Messages like “We’ll hunt you all down, do you understand?”, images of rifles, legionnaire and SS symbols, and hate-filled statements, including “Jews and gypsies must be eliminated”, have been sent via messengers and social media accounts. 

These threats are not isolated incidents but coordinated efforts to instil fear and silence voices of progress and inclusion. 

This challenge is not confined to the ballot box

We have seen photos of masked individuals in paramilitary gear, brandishing weapons and symbols of hate. Recruitment groups are actively identifying and targeting those who support European values of unity and tolerance.

One such individual openly threatens: “Leftists and homosexuals, we will shoot you if you take to the streets.” These hateful symbols even accompany public figures, like the far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, whose affiliation with neo-Legionary leaders emboldens these groups.

This is a wake-up call to us all. 

We appeal to every Romanian citizen: Use your right to vote. Exercise this right to ensure that these are not the last free elections in Romania.

Yet we know this challenge is not confined to the ballot box. Paramilitary groups are mobilizing, and their intent is clear: to use violence to secure their candidate’s rule and eliminate any opposition. 

This moment calls for decisive action. We urgently appeal to those with political responsibility—on a national, European, and international level: Do not wait any longer. Act now.

We trust that Romania’s institutions can and will act swiftly and decisively to dismantle these threats. We call on them to uphold the principles of justice and freedom now, before it’s too late. 

The fight for democracy demands vigilance, courage, and unity. Let this be the day we choose to stand—for civilization, for peace, for humanity.