The topic of drug use among young people will be discussed at the next meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT), said President Klaus Iohannis, who on the first day of the new academic year, together with the Minister of Education, visited Ligia Deca, a school in Sector 1 of the capital.

“We are facing an alarming phenomenon: drug use among young people, which is increasingly worrying our society. I decided to put this topic on the agenda of the next CSAT meeting – the scale of this phenomenon, the consequences of drug use, which is a serious challenge to individual and national security,” said Johannis.

Together with the Minister of Education, Ligia Deka, he took part in the opening of the new academic year at secondary school No. 10. 162 from Bucharest.

Klaus Johannis, main statements:

• I am glad to be together today. It has a great atmosphere. The opening of this school year means a new beginning. I would like to point out that after a long debate, we have modern education laws that transposed the vision of the “Educated Romania” project.

• This is an important step for solving the problems facing education in our country.

• Dear students, you are the first generations to benefit from the reforms implemented with the new legislative framework, which has bold goals. Dare to be yourself, follow your dreams, learn as much as you can in the fields you are passionate about.

• The future is built with and through education, investing in the potential of children and youth. It is the best investment we can make.

• Dear teachers, the desire for knowledge and the ability to share it are the features of the most noble calling, which I wish to choose more often. I know you’re going through trials, a lot is being asked of you, and society won’t always show you the appreciation and gratitude you deserve. My message remains the same: you are irreplaceable for the future of our country. This year’s raises are a step in the right direction, but you definitely deserve more.

• I also continue to support the wage increase from January 1, 2024. I firmly believe that the commitments made by the Government this summer remain a reality.

• Dear parents, grandparents, the new legislative framework creates all the prerequisites for students to finish school, ready for a society that is constantly changing. We need to move beyond the paradigm of conveyor belt degrees that don’t help them in real life. I am convinced that you will be with the children to help them become adults.

• Dear students, now I want to address a disturbing phenomenon: drug use among young people. This is a problem that worries our society more and more and there is an interest in finding its solution. I decided to include this topic, the impact, alcohol and drug use issues on the CSAT agenda. I want to emphasize the importance of preventive behavior. It is very important to understand the dangers and dramatic consequences of drug, alcohol and tobacco use. Through education, we can create a strong barrier against these threats. There is a need for health programs in schools so that students can make healthy choices.

• The recently passed education laws give us a chance to start over. However, educational reforms require patience and perseverance, because the results are visible over time, not immediately.

• The new legislation reevaluates the teaching career. We encourage staying in schools in disadvantaged areas. From the point of view of the didactic norm, there will be predictability. All changes are made because teachers are needed by profession.

• We are facing an alarming phenomenon: drug use among young people, which is increasingly worrying our society.
• I decided to put this topic on the agenda of the next CSAT meeting – the scale of this phenomenon, the consequences of drug use, which is a serious challenge to individual and national security.”