Raluca Turcan, convinced we have a rich culture

Authorities occasionally discover the potential of the local culture and make various gestures of recognition for those who succeed in this field. The Minister of Culture, Raluca Turcan, awarded a series of distinctions at the National Museum of Romanian Literature, awarded by President Klaus Iohannis. On this occasion, she expressed her conviction that Romania "can hardly be called a poor country" with such "creative potential and an exceptional cultural heritage." She stated, "Today, I had the honor of being alongside prominent figures in Romanian culture: Mrs. Florica Dimitrescu-Niculescu, Mrs. Gabriela Adameşteanu, Mrs. Ana Blandiana, Mr. Ion Dincă, Mihai Zamfir, Eugen Negrici, and Ion Pop, to present them with the distinctions awarded by the President of Romania at the proposal of the Ministry of Culture, as well as our entire appreciation for the role they play in the country's cultural life. I am convinced that a country like ours, with this creative potential and an exceptional cultural heritage, can hardly be called a poor country, and I believe we should see things from this perspective more often. We are dealing not only with prestigious authors, men of letters, and recognized personalities in our country but also with respected voices in the public space who can shape opinions, change attitudes, and promote authentic values among the younger generation."

Raluca Turcan emphasizes that, in her capacity, "their excellencies are by far the most valuable partners" she wishes to have "in her efforts and those of the Ministry of Culture to increase access to culture and book consumption in Romania, to support cultural institutions, and to invest in built heritage." Additionally, the minister mentions "efforts to have Romania participate in 10 international book fairs," support for organizing the Bookfest and Gaudeamus book fairs in Bucharest, as well as the "joy of promoting Romanian books and publishers in Chişinău, at the Bookfest edition." She also mentions the investment programs carried out by the Ministry of Culture, which allow them to use all available opportunities to restore Romania's cultural infrastructure, including the "Ion I.C. Brătianu" villa in Bucharest, the headquarters of the Special Collections Service of the National Library of Romania, the Omnia Library in Craiova, and the central headquarters of the "Mihai Eminescu" Central University Library in Iaşi, which will be restored through the RO-Cultura Program. These investments complement the portfolio of projects funded from external funds in Romania, including museums, theaters, and concert halls across the country. Through all these efforts, they aim to support cultural institutions in showcasing themselves and providing the Romanian public with access to books, shows, and exhibitions. However, despite these statements, the local culture still faces numerous material challenges.