Romania Introduces "History of Communism" Course for High School Students

Romanian Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, announced on Monday that all high school students will study a new subject, History of Communism in Romania. The initiative aims to address the lack of knowledge about the communist regime, which Deca identified as a key factor in the growing nostalgia for that era, even among younger generations, CE Report quotes Agerpres

Speaking at an event marking 35 years since the 1989 Romanian Revolution, Deca emphasized the importance of educating students about the realities of communism, including its institutions, policies, and social impact. The course will also explore topics such as repression, resistance, daily life under the regime, and historical decisions like Decree 770 of 1966 and Romania’s role in the Warsaw Pact.

"This is not an ideological exposition but an objective presentation of facts," Deca stated, highlighting that the curriculum aims to foster critical thinking, civic engagement, and historical empathy. She underlined the relevance of these lessons in preparing students to appreciate democratic values and human rights, especially as they approach the age to cast their first votes.

The course, she added, is designed to provide a balanced and well-documented perspective, helping students understand the consequences of past political decisions on people's lives. It is intended not only to inform but also to prevent distortions of history that could influence social or electoral behavior.

"Democratic values should never be taken for granted," Deca concluded.