A Battle of Feelings, Not Logic
We live in times when attempts to convince through logical arguments seem doomed to fail. I observe many striving to demonstrate with data and facts why one political candidate is unsuitable or, conversely, why another would be the saving solution. However, we find ourselves in a battle of emotions, ideologies, and deeply ingrained opinions.
The Power of Repeated Narratives
Human psychology is fascinating and, at times, deceptive. Ideas repeated endlessly come to be perceived as absolute truths, a tactic that, unfortunately, history has shown us through painful examples, such as Nazi propaganda. Faced with a wave of narratives about global conspiracies and imaginary threats, rational arguments pale. Interestingly, this approach is not the preserve of a single camp; we see similar examples among those considered “normal.” From personal statements turned into political attacks, to irrelevant comparisons meant to manipulate public opinion, propaganda is omnipresent, each with its own motivations. In this context, it becomes difficult to have full confidence in the intentions or ability of any political actor to bring about real and beneficial reform for society as a whole. Perhaps a careful look at the past would offer us some valuable lessons.
The Ignored Lessons of the Past
The current situation bears striking similarities to the events of 1990. Then, after the Revolution, Romania had the opportunity to build a democratic path, less touched by corruption. However, a part of the population did not accept the idea of being led by someone with international experience, who returned to the country intending to contribute to reconstruction, as was the case with Mr. Ion Rațiu. A former member of the communist nomenclature was preferred, and we feel the consequences to this day, blaming Ion Iliescu for the corruption and problems of the 1990s and 2000s. Even respected figures, such as Corneliu Coposu, mourned by an entire nation upon his death in 1995, were the target of popular fury during the miners’ riots orchestrated by the same Iliescu in 1990.
A New Crossroads, The Same Mistakes?
We find ourselves once again at a turning point. Recent elections have reflected a vote of censure against the traditional political class, bringing to the forefront candidates with anti-system messages. It is an episode that we will most likely remember with bitterness, a moment when emotions and resentments took precedence over a rational choice that could have brought us more benefits. It is sad to note that we are once again in the situation of choosing between political figures with no notable achievements or coherent plans, relying solely on populist speeches.
It is disappointing that we fail to learn from past mistakes and overcome these seemingly simple hurdles. And it is not a problem specific to Romania; we observe similar trends in other countries. Poland seems to be on a similar path, and the situation in the United States, with the possible economic repercussions of a recession, will likely affect us as well.
An Inevitable Process?
I am beginning to understand that this cycle seems almost inevitable. I hope, however, that we will be more careful in the future, to note these moments when we missed opportunities for positive evolution, preferring to risk the country’s stability in exchange for unrealistic promises from the state. It is natural to want more, but not by any means, not by sacrificing the country into the hands of characters who glorify extremist ideologies and promote violence.