Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruță issued a statement clarifying remarks he made about former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and patriotism. He admitted his earlier comments were not phrased well but said his aim was to dismantle arguments that still portray Ceaușescu as a national hero. The comments sparked a response from the Institute for the Investigation of Communism Crimes and the Memory of the Romanian Exile (IICCMER), which demanded a public apology for the remarks. Miruță reiterated his position on social media, emphasizing that sacrificing human dignity for personal power cannot be patriotism and calling for honest dialogue about the legacy of the communist era. The incident highlights ongoing debate in Romania over the remembrance of Ceaușescu, with 62.2 % of citizens still viewing him positively. No direct policy changes were announced.

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