Concerns over violence in schools
Two knife attacks have taken place in Romanian schools this week alone.
Bogdan Matei, 23.10.2026, 13:50
Frustration and anger are increasingly spilling over into violent acts in a world marked by ever-deepening political and social tensions. Romania makes no exception. Public debates among politicians are routinely punctuated by shouting matches and insults. For nearly two years, almost every political protest has ended in clashes, with people detained and fined by police. This autumn, sheep and goat farmers scuffled with riot police just meters from government headquarters. In a football landscape increasingly devoid of results and quality, the only spectacle that seems to remain is the fighting between rival groups of supporters and between fans and security forces. Domestic violence, often ending in the victim’s death, has become alarmingly commonplace. Social media overflows with hatred, abuse and threats. Anxiety has become the prevailing mood in Romanian society, and it was perhaps inevitable that the extreme violence modelled by adults would eventually make its way into schools, affecting children who lost their innocence long ago.
Specialist studies show that one in two Romanian pupils is currently the victim of threats, humiliation or physical violence. In Giurgiu (south), a report by the County School Inspectorate found that nearly 80% of schools have recorded cases of verbal abuse, while more than half have reported incidents of physical violence. Most confrontations occur either in classrooms or in school playgrounds.
In Bistrița (northwest), a 13-year-old pupil attacked a mathematics teacher and another student with a knife. The teacher underwent surgery and remains in a stable condition. Prosecutors have confirmed that the attack was premeditated. The injured teacher and six other pupils have been granted protection orders, while the attacker will be required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet. He is currently undergoing psychiatric evaluation.
In Pitești (south), a 15-year-old pupil injured two classmates with a machete. The teenager has been taken into custody as part of an investigation into assault, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons, criminal damage and disturbing public order.
Having only recently taken office, Prime Minister Luca Niculescu says school safety was the main topic of discussion during meetings with several members of his cabinet. Justice Minister Radu Marinescu has urged judicial authorities to respond swiftly when investigating offences committed in schools. He also announced that his ministry will prioritize reform of criminal legislation governing the classification and punishment of this type of offence, as well as the legal framework regarding the criminal liability of minors.
In turn, President Nicușor Dan has expressed concern over the two serious violent incidents that have taken place in schools this week. In a statement issued by the Presidential Administration, the head of state stressed the need for early intervention to prevent such situations from arising. In a Facebook post, he also highlighted the importance of psychological counselling, support for teachers and stronger protection for children from online harassment and aggression. The president has called for closer cooperation between authorities, teachers, parents and pupils to ensure that every child can learn in a safe environment.
Education unions have warned that they will launch protests if the authorities continue to treat violence in schools with indifference. (VP)
