The new education laws are promulgated

Romanian president Klaus Iohannis signs decree putting the new education laws into effect.

Mihai Pelin, 05.07.2023, 14:00

Romanian president Klaus Iohannis on
Tuesday promulgated the new education laws. The signing was attended by state
officials, including members of cabinet, MPs and constitutional judges. The
event marked the end of the legislative journey of the documents encapsulating
the president’s Educated Romania project. The latter said the new legislation
provides a solid framework for building an education system that can face the
challenges of our times, but that it would not solve the system’s acute
problems unless it is implemented. The president also said that this moment
will have a major impact on the development of Romanian society in the future.
Klaus Iohannis:

The laws I have promulgated are laying
the foundations of a Romania that is connected to the evolutions of the 21st
century and fully benefits from the opportunities of the future. I am counting
on your involvement and determination, especially the decision makers in the
room today, to transform Educated Romania from an ideal into reality.

The president also said the new education
laws aim to address the shortcomings of the current education system, boosting
the quality of the education act and providing support and respect for
teachers. He said the new legislation promotes investments, especially in the
disadvantaged areas, and places emphasis on pupils’ safety.

However, some of the provisions of the new
laws were intensely criticised by members of civil society, pupils, students
and some politicians. Such controversial provisions include the possibility
that high schools may hold an additional admission examination for half of the
available places, the possibility to expel pupils for serious offences and
limiting the terms of rectors to two 4-year tenures. Another provision that
came under strong criticism refers to the introduction of religion as an
optional baccalaureate exam.

During Tuesday’s signing, the
representatives of the Save Romania Union, in opposition, staged a protest at
Cotroceni Palace, the president’s headquarters. They said Educated Romania is a
failure, and cited the large number of young people who did not even register
for the baccalaureate exam this year. They also said the new legislation will
not reform the education system, instead restricting the right to education and
violating the principle of equal rights. The National Council of Pupils and a
number of student organisations also believe some of the provisions of the new
laws are discriminatory. The legislation was first passed by the Senate in May,
before being unsuccessfully challenged in the Constitutional Court by the Save
Romania Union and the Liberal dissident party the Force of the Right. (CM)