The spread of hatred, attacks, violent language and disinformation weaken democracies, President Klaus Iohannis said on Monday in a message on the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The message was presented by Mihai Somordolea, state adviser at the National Security Department - the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT) Secretariat, during the event at the Coral Temple in Bucharest.

In his message, the president highlighted that January 27, 1945, will forever remain the day when history recorded the end of the darkest chapter, the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex.

'Those who managed to survive were able to testify to the whole world that hell was unleashed on earth, but also that the force of life ultimately overcame death. An unparalleled catastrophe in which 6 million children, women, and men were killed. Today, we also recall the suffering endured by the victims of the Bucharest Pogrom in January 1941, when thousands of Jews were delivered to death. On the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honour the memory of all those who lost their lives, as well as the courage of the survivors and saviors, so that the tragedy that claimed so many destinies will never be forgotten,' emphasised President Iohannis.

Klaus Iohannis pointed out that the Holocaust represented the peak of hatred and antisemitism, the end of a diabolical plan aimed at erasing all traces of Jewish existence.

'In the face of the passage of time, the testimonies of the survivors must be preserved and passed on to younger generations as undeniable evidence that beyond the darkest moments of history, there is light and hope. Let us not allow this legacy, filled with both pain and compassion, paid at the highest cost, to be compromised by those who try, in these times, to hide their hatred and intolerance under illusory promises. Internationally, populism, extremism, and xenophobic and antisemitic attitudes and manifestations are insidiously disguised with the intention of eroding the fundamental pillars upon which the free world is built, where fundamental rights play an essential role,' added the president in his message.

He also drew attention to the fact that 'the spread of hatred, attacks, violent language, and disinformation weaken democracies and risk trivialising the rights and freedoms that have been so hard-won over time.'

Klaus Iohannis brought to mind that Romania has made important steps in honouring the memory of Holocaust victims and in the fight against antisemitism by adopting robust legislation in this area and developing memorial and educational projects that contribute to a culture based on fundamental European values.

'A strong democracy,' he added, 'is built and defended by both authorities and citizens, through the correct application of the law, through the firm rejection of toxic messages and behaviors, and by keeping the meaning and consequences of the Holocaust alive.'

'In this period of multiple crises, let us look confidently to the future and understand that dialogue, unity, and solidarity are essential when democracy is under attack from those who ignore the past and glorify war criminals. Beyond the emotional weight of this day, in an extremely difficult international context, let us show an unwavering belief in our ability to remain active in the permanent fight for tolerance, dignity, truth, and humanity. The remembrance we are united in today should represent a new promise to all those who are no longer with us and to those who will follow us that we will never again allow such a horrific tragedy to happen!,' President Iohannis concluded. AGERPRES (RO - author: Catalina Matei, editor: Florin Marin; EN - editor: Adina Panaitescu)