Romanians in Italy suggest Diaspora Ministry set up in Bucharest

Romania Interior Minister Cristian David met representatives of the Romanian community while visiting Italy. During the meeting, held at Accademia di Romania, the Romanians came up with an innovating suggestion: a Diaspora Ministry being set up in Bucharest. The suggestion was made by the Romanians in Italy Party, but enjoys the support of other Romanians as well.

Giancarlo Germani, president of the Romanians in Italy Party, says that such a project should be considered as a priority by the Romanian state. „It is not only a way to recognize the value of the Romanian Diaspora, is also an investment that will prove valuable in the future. Romanians abroad are an important economic resource and an important social category which will soon be a political force as well. Romanian diplomacy may find in the future an important ally in these communities, that may even provide a valuable lobby for their country. Diaspora should be seen as a wealth, not a burden”, said Germani.

The official also mentioned that the existing Governmental department for Romanians abroad is not enough, providing funds for culture projects, but not a real and efficient Diaspora policy. Such a ministry exists in Italy.

Dumitru Ilinca, representing the political formation Nuovi Italiani – Partito Immigrati, said that his party supports the idea and, even more, claims that the ministerial seat should be occupied by a Romanian who lived abroad.