Almost a decade after the Collective tragedy, the energy of moral rebellion that inspired Romanian society in the following years seems to have run out. Gradually, the sensitivity of the community of citizens was undermined by a sense of humility and detachment. The pandemic’s era of fear, control, and suffering marked the end of this path, which marks not only a rejection of work but also a separation from the illusions that nourished the potential for mobilization and struggle.

Because more important than the fatigue that gradually and inevitably set in is the confrontation with the fragility of collective hopes and illusions. A decade of demonstrations and confrontation led to the current parliamentary majority. The image of Romania at the end of 2022 is one of political mediocrity that seems steadfast in its formidable monolithic structure.

The illusion of being able to accelerate change by evoking the protest energy of the street was rejected: the extraordinary durability of solidarity that followed the adoption of GEO 13 was, historically speaking, the phenomenon that precipitated the current exit. The ambiguity and apathy that surrounds us transforms the reality of a brutal fact: except for the arrest and marginalization of Liviu Dragni, no profound changes were brought about by those who chose to resist in those moments.

Liviu Dragnia left the scene, but his project of domesticating institutions and castrating the rule of law continued. The enemies, as well as his PSD allies, are now part of the majority formed by President Iohannis.

The illusion that prosecutors and judges can replace good governance was also rejected. The fight against corruption has been given the status of a religious devotion – the revival of Romania will be carried out by those who recklessly destroy the evil at its roots. But this evil that haunts us is political, and the solution can only be political. Justice cannot become a factor that replaces the action of state management, achieved by means and political choice.

The illusion of the messianic breath of new people, called to bring Romania out of its slumber, is also rejected. The lack of opposition in the current parliament is also the result of that mixture of naivety and arrogance that mimicked any attempt at maturity by parties that aspired to a monopoly of moral purity. The current impasse is the result of rescue projects.

At a time when judges are concerned with preserving the status embodied in their pensions, the appeal to the rule of law and its protection becomes laughable. The current agreement between the major parties is the perfect context for the free and impunity distribution of the resources of the parasitized state. The revival of PSD once again testifies to the viability of participation and the energy of networks that unite the state and society.

The silence of Romania from this November 2022 is the silence of madness. Parting with chimeras should lead us to transparency and prudence. Perseverance and humility are values ​​that can support true reform efforts. Almost a decade after the “Collective”, a different path begins: beyond illusions, in search of that civic instinct that will become the basis of a Romania of decency. Comment on Contributors.ro