PM Ponta hails contribution of Roma people to the development of today's Romania

On Wednesday, the International Roma Day, Prime Minister Victor Ponta delivered a message in which he hailed the contributions of this ethnic community to the development of today's Romania.

Photo credit: (c) LIVIU SOVA /AGERPRES STREAM

'On the occasion today, April 8, of the International Roma Day, I would like to hail the contribution of our citizens of Romany ethnic background to the development of today's Romania. Throughout Romania's history, the Romany smiths have always made a great team with the Romanian peasants; the Romany music players used to be the soul of holidays; Romany silversmiths, cauldron makers, brick makers, wood makers and other Romany tribes have had a special place in our history. We are aware that, unfortunately, prejudice made it that some of the Roma people were ignored or excluded in various periods in the development of the Romanian society. We continue to work in order to overcome prejudice and provide equal opportunities to the Roma as part of the Romanian nation in a Europe of diversity. And we are proud of today's performance in various professional fields and the cultural area of the Romany youth,' says Ponta.

That is why, he adds, continuing and consolidating investment in educational projects to provide development and performance chances to each young people anywhere in Romania are essential.

'The Government I am heading will continue its social inclusion policies, bridging social gaps and fighting against negative discrimination. Many happy returns of the day to Roma everywhere and to those in Romania!' reads Ponta's message. AGERPRES