PNL Mures Chairman and MP Ciprian Dobre believes that the bill mandating the kissing of the flag—recently adopted by the Senate—carries far-right symbolism intended to create discrimination among citizens and impose forced discipline.

'Throughout history, the far right has succeeded in embedding symbols and discipline into its organizational structure—elements that instilled self-confidence in the individual and gave the far-right member a certain aura: the sense that they are different from you, or that you are different from them if you do not stand with them. It was defined by a discipline unto death and by distinctions drawn between people. In other words, there are those who will kiss the flag with pomp, emphasis, and discipline—setting themselves apart from those who do not, or from those who might kiss it merely with their heart. And the danger of the far right lies precisely in this sowing of division among people—in the actions of those who kiss the flag ostentatiously,' stated the PNL Mures chairman during a press conference.

Ciprian Dobre described the political approach as 'hypocritical', intended only 'to ensure partisan control and loyalty'.

'We are perverse to the core, and in fact, our only aim is to foster loyalty among those around us by imposing that discipline on them,' said Dobre.

The Liberal leader cited successful community projects in Mures County—such as investments in schools or the new cardiology hospital recently completed in Târgu Mures—as a counter-example, arguing that true patriotism is demonstrated by securing funds and building facilities, not by superficial political displays.

'Those who always carry Romania's flag in their hearts (...) will secure the funds available to Romania on time and build a school like the one in Târnaveni. They will be the ones to build a hospital (...) without asking anyone for money; they will accept being laughed at for two years, only to technically inaugurate the building on August 31st and say: 'Yes, it is possible in Mures to get things done without kissing the flag exactly as the party prescribes.' True citizens kiss it with every minute of their work,' the MP said.

Dobre claimed that the bill is being promoted by AUR and 'forced down the PSD's throat,' and that it is part of a broader strategy by AUR to subjugate the Social Democrats and hijack state institutions.

'Do you recall my statement at this press conference that AUR would not stop until it had completely subjugated the PSD and seized control of enough Romanian state institutions? They will likely state publicly that they intend to vote for the government, but before that happens, there are still more Romanian state institutions to be seized, and more such bills to be forced down the PSD's throat,' concluded the PNL Mures chairman.

The bill concerning Flag Day introduces fines of up to 10,000 lei for an official's refusal to kiss Romania's national flag, and fines of 20,000 lei for media outlets that fail to provide 30 minutes of airtime on the day the flag is celebrated.

Fines are also imposed if local authorities fail to designate a public space named 'Tricolor Square.' AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Dorina Matis;EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)

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