The story of Ceauescu's final speech is a textbook example. In 1947, King Michael showed more dignity than you. Mr Ceauescus overthrow followed a week of carnage in which thousands of men, women and children protesting against his regime were killed in cold blood, and probably tens of thousands wounded. The front rows of the assembly were made up of low-level Communist Party officials and members who acted as cheer-leaders. This is a legal trial, and I honor them by defending them. One of the most decisive moments in the Romanian Revolution of 1989 was Ceausescus December 21st speech (or lack thereof). I will not speak with you provocateurs anymore, and I will not speak with the organizers of the putsch and with the mercenaries. This shows how little patriotism there is, how many treasonable offenses were committed. It is as if, in that moment, everyday Romanian's saw the possibility, saw the reality of the weakness of Ceausescus regime. They organized the putsch. O voce: Un pahar cu apa! Bucharests Broadcasting House was the main source of information yesterday for Romanians about the countrys liberation and the means by which politicians, military officers and dissidents tried to influence the situation. has openly accused president Obama as unable to lead in world. It gave no further details. PROSECUTOR: And who wrote the papers for you, Elena? [3], From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core, The former headquarters of the Central Committee of the, File:Ceausescu Final Speech - Former Central Committee Building - Bucharest - Romania.jpg, Video of Ceausescus Last Speech, December 1989, Nicolae Ceauescu LAST SPEECH (english subtitles) 1/2, https://infogalactic.com/w/index.php?title=Ceauescu%27s_final_speech&oldid=714636674, Articles with Romanian-language external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, About Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core. However, there is a difference between real sickness that must be treated and mental insanity which leads to corresponding actions, but which is denied by the person in question. NICOLAE CEAUESCU: Her scientific papers were published abroad! I will not answer any question. VIENNA, Austria (AP) _ For the first time that anybody could remember, Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu was interrupted at a public speech by boos and jeers that began a huge demonstration against him in Bucharest Thursday. And so should such reports chill one to the bone. The people only received 200 grams per day, against an identity card. The National Salvation Front is now our supreme body. The prosecutor quotes Ceausescu, Ceausescu's program. This gang will be destroyed. Now we are making a last attempt. ELENA CEAUSESCU: We will not sign any statement. This occurs when the official line becomes so ridiculous that ordinary people dont even realize they are falling out of step with the Party Line. Immediately before them were plainclothes Securitate agents and a row of police militia, who kept the mass of the crowd about thirty meters back from the front of the Central Committee building. He refused to undergo a psychiatric examination. But who gave the order to shoot? The prosecutor cites all academic titles she had always claimed to have. No one can deprive me of these functions. They carried out acts that are incompatible with human dignity and social thinking; they acted in a despotic and criminal way; they destroyed the people whose leaders they claimed to be. The War of the Words for $3.99, Understanding the crisis of the early 21st century in terms of information corruption in the financial, security and political spheres Everybody should be paid according to his performance. . The Rise of Ceausescu Nicolae was a member of the communist youth movement. Military base Trgovite - December 25th 1989. These two defendants have robbed the people, and not even today do they want to talk. Shakespeare dramatized the turnabout in his famous scene. PROSECUTOR: You claim to have taken measures so that every peasant is entitled to 200 kilograms of wheat. They cultivated the soil in line with your orders and had nothing to eat. A lie, a lie in my face. We must not allow the slightest impression of illegality to emerge. The counsel for the defense now takes the floor and instructs the Ceauescus once again that they have the right to defense and that they should accept this right. CHIEF PROSECUTOR: Esteemed chairman of the court, today we have to pass a verdict on the defendants Nicolae Ceausescu and Elena Ceausescu who have committed the following offenses: Crimes against the people. Former President Donald Trump speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, on March 4, 2023. And you might perhaps have achieved the understanding of the Romanian people if you had now admitted your guilt. Since the old government has been dissolved and Ceauescu has lost his functions, he no longer has the right to be treated as the president. Faithless Execution: Building the Political Case for Obamas Impeachment We are all equal. This year, the crowd begins to chant unscripted comments back at the dictator. Elena keeps whispering to him. And I also do not recognize the counsel for the defense. We will speak only at the National Assembly, because we have worked hard for the people all our lives. His security guard appears, disappears and, finally, hustles Ceausescu off the balcony. PROSECUTOR: In all district capitals, which you grandly called municipalities, there is shooting going on. All strategic points in the country were said to be under the control of the people. PROSECUTOR: Did you hear the charges? PROSECUTOR: We now have another leading organ. Eight minutes into the speech, some in the crowd actually began to scream because there was a shooting that occurred in the background. In the early evening, it was announced that a National Democracy Committee had been formed, made up of uncompromised military commanders, students and intellectuals. Ceauescu answers: As I said before, the people are fighting for their freedom and against this putsch, against this usurpation. By 6 pm, Romanian television was broadcasting live reports of victory rallies attended by thousands in Bucharest. We have sufficient data on this period. NICOLAE CEAUESCU: I do not answer, I will only answer questions before the Grand National Assembly. NICOLAE CEAUESCU: I will answer any question, but only at the Grand National Assembly, before the representatives of the working class. A tyrant stops knowing the difference. And I also do not recognize the counsel for the defense. Teams of doctors with emergency medical supplies were being flown in from Geneva last night. CEAUSESCU: I do not recognize this new forum. Workers from a Bucharest power plant started chanting "Ti-mi-oa-ra! ELENA CEAUESCU: The intelligentsia of the country will hear what you are accusing us of. The English translation is by the U.S. government's Foreign Broadcast Information Service. Elena says: Look, and that they are calling genocide. PROSECUTOR: Please, make a note: Nicolae Ceauescu refuses to cooperate with the court-appointed counsel for the defense. I hope that you do not also work for the foreigners and for the destruction of Romania. Dressed in a black Persian lamb hat with matching coat collar, Ceausesecu, 71, was . Elena Ceauescu's last moments were as pathetic as one could imagine. ELENA CEAUSESCU: The terrorists are from Securitate. The catastrophic situation of the country is known all over the world. A horse or a hearse? Why did you ruin the country so much: Why did you export everything? PROSECUTOR: By now, there have been 34 casualties. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for The Land of Green Plums, Mller, Herta at the best online prices at eBay! This speech was an annual event and carefully scripted by the regime to insure both success and the appearance of popular support. PROSECUTOR: The terrorists are from Securitate? PROSECUTOR: So far, they have always claimed that we have built this country, we have paid our debts, but with this they bled the country to death and have hoarded enough money to ensure their escape. Machine guns splattered against a background of church bells ringing in triumph. Only a few hours before the Genius of the Carpathians had been in apparently complete command. At that moment Elena says to Nicolae: Forget about them. As hard as it may be to believe, there was a time when . In one speech, a Romanian politician likened Ceausescu to Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Peter the Great, Abraham Lincoln and other major historical figures. Storm Over The South China Sea What do you think? Military base Tirgoviste - December 25th 1989. Answer this question! Elena answers: The intellectuals of this country should hear you, you and your colleagues. But we are not talking about people. PROSECUTOR: That is to say, as a deputy prime minister you did not know about the genocide? And we will not betray our people here. The two defendants should also know that they are entitled to a counsel for defense, even if they reject this. For example, George Ciampa, an 89-year old D-Day veteran refused an invitation to meet with President Obama at the White House. NICOLAE CEAUESCU: No, we had no palaces. They were given red flags, banners and large pictures of Ceauescu. Quantum: Einstein, Bohr and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality One in four of the population is believed to have a member. I do not recognize the court. PROSECUTOR: That is to say, as a deputy prime minister you did not know about the genocide? The court notes that the investigations have been concluded. In 1947, King Michael showed more dignity than you. You are faced with charges that you held really sumptuous celebrations on all holidays at your house. I do not recognize this court. Bucharest television said that they had left the country. They used to fetch people from orphans' homes or from abroad whom they trained in special institutions to become murderers of their own people. [2], Ceauescu appeared on the balcony of the Central Committee building and began as he had in years past, with a speech laden with the usual "wooden language." And that assumes more dont simply dodge paying the penalty because of the ease with which they can claim a hardship exemption, or because the law places strict limits on the IRS ability to collect the money. If you had had a mental illness and admitted this, you would not be responsible for your acts. The details are known. Dressed in a black Persian lamb hat with matching coat collar, Ceausesecu, 71, was . I am talking to you as simple citizens at the least, as simple citizens, and I tell you: I am the president of Romania. CEAUSESCU: Is it possible that we are facing such charges? But their triumph was marred by the first confused reports of fresh bloodshed in the early evening following heavy machine-gun fire in Bucharests Republic Square. These two defendants procured the most luxurious foodstuffs and clothes from abroad. He answers: I am the president of Romania, and I am the commander in chief of the Romanian army. In response, the two laugh, and she says: We do not stay abroad. The day began as it ended with vehement anti-Ceauescu demonstrations. PROSECUTOR: Why do you think that people are fighting today? However, they will be indicted, and a sentence will be passed on the basis of the new legal system. Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu appeared on the balcony of the Central Committee of Comunmunist Party of Romania building, in Bucharest, Romania, on 21 December 1989, and began as he had in years past, with a speech laden with the usual `wooden language`. The catastrophic situation of the country is known all over the world. Answer this question! However, there is a difference between real sickness that must be treated and mental insanity which leads to corresponding actions, but which is denied by the person in question. Since the old government has been dissolved and Ceausescu has lost his functions, he no longer has the right to be treated as the president. And today you are acting in the same megalomaniac way. The prosecutor wants to find out on which basis the trial can be continued. Do you want to sign this statement? Who are these fanatics? President Nicolae Ceauescu was overthrown yesterday and became a fugitive in the country he has ruled for 24 years as remnants of his personal troops fought bitter last battles with regular soldiers and demonstrators in the streets of the Romanian capital. ELENA CEAUSESCU: How can one tell us something like this? At some point the entire structure of governance becomes a system of workarounds with all real power devolved to the man on the ground. You told us about it here. You see, there is no use in talking to these people. They are cowards. CEAUSESCU: No, we had no palaces. It is simply an accumulation of multitudes ignoring the official line bit by bit and thereby gradually placing themselves unwittingly in opposition to it. Fuelled by the events taking place in Berlin (the wall had come down just a few weeks before) and the ripple impact of the weakening Iron Curtain, Romanians had taken to the streets in . What do you think? PROSECUTOR: Will you sign the statement now or not? Rebranding Christianity for $3.99, or why the truth shall make you free NICOLAE CEAUESCU: What? At the moment the situation is rather uncertain. Judecator Gica POPA. Free shipping for many products! I hope that you do not also work for the foreigners and for the destruction of Romania. Do you want to sign this statement? Just a genteel, inoffensive refusal from an old gent. We have sacrificed all our lives to the people. In the wake of growing tension over an uprising in Timioara in which thousands were reportedly killed, Ceauescu decided to give a nationally televised speech before a crowd in Palace Square (now known as Revolution Square) in Bucharest. Who pays them? This speech was an annual event and carefully scripted by the regime to insure both success and the appearance of popular support. Ceausescu refused to answer. He then tried to placate the crowd by offering to raise workers salaries He did not realize, however, that a real revolution was starting before his eyes. However, he had badly misread the crowd's mood. ALISON SMALE December 21, 1989. Tell the people that I will answer all their questions. How can one say something like this? They cultivated the soil in line with your orders and had nothing to eat. PROSECUTOR: Note: He does not recognize the points mentioned in the bill of indictment. A photo of a television screen of Nicolae Ceauescu delivering his last public speech from the balcony of the Romanian Communist Party headquarters, 21 December 1989. They were even worse than the king, the former king of Romania. No Way In at Amazon Kindle $8.95, print $9.99. NICOLAE CEAUESCU: I will not say anything more. This is a vulgar provocation. Later reports suggested the couple had been captured. A little noticed article in the Sydney Morning Herald notes that Australia will support Japans effort to repeal its pacifist constitution. Forget what the politicians on Capitol Hill are saying about the prisoner swap. Who are these fanatics? I guaranteed that every village has its schools, hospitals and doctors. As a simple citizen, I tell you the following: For the first time I guaranteed that every peasant received 200 kilograms of wheat per person, not per family, and that he is entitled to more. PROSECUTOR: You have never been able to hold a dialogue with the people. Nicolae Ceausescu delivers his last public speech in Bucharest on December 21, 1989. A little noticed article in the, notes that Australia will support Japans effort to repeal its pacifist constitution. The following is a transcript of the closed trial of Romanian Dictator Nicolae Ceauescu and his wife, Elena, as shown on Romanian and Austrian television. The front rows of the assembly were made up of low-level Communist Party officials and members who acted as cheer-leaders. He answers: I am the president of Romania, and I am the commander in chief of the Romanian army. I guaranteed that every village has its schools, hospitals and doctors. George thought about it for awhile and concluded he just couldnt. CEAUSESCU: Nu recunosc nici un tribunal in afara de Marea Adunare Nationala. Because of this indictment, I call for the death sentence and the impounding of the entire property of the two accused. Ceausescu and his wife were later captured, tried, and executed. The workers were augmented by bystanders who were rounded up on Calea Victoriei. PROSECUTOR: The Grand National Assembly has been dissolved. The following is a transscript of the closed trial of Romanian Dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, as shown on Romanian and Austrian television. PROSECUTOR: But not of our army, you are not the commander in chief of our army. Ti-mi-oa-ra!a chant that was soon picked up by others in the crowd. And Elena says: It is incredible what they are inventing, incredible. By the way, I will not answer any more questions. "Video of Ceausescus Last Speech, December 1989," in World History Commons, https://worldhistorycommons.org/video-ceausescus-last-speech-december-1989 [accessed March 4, 2023], Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media. We must not allow the slightest impression of illegality to emerge. What should he ask us? He would be executed a few days later. I ask the chairman of the prosecutor's office to read the bill of indictment. "Stenographic transcript of meeting of the Executive Committee of the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party," August 17, 1968, History . It was one of the most pivotal moments in the Romanian Revolution of 1989. They not only deprived the people of heating, electricity and foodstuffs, they also tyrannized the soul of the Romanian people. This gang will be destroyed. Ford said of his resignation,I was no longer in a position where I felt I could defend the American policy. Sooner or later inability to credit yoga or videos produced in Los Angeles as actual factors becomes more and more widespread. Elena and Nicolae reject this. ELENA CEAUSESCU: The intelligentsia of the country will hear what you are accusing us of. PROSECUTOR: Did you hear the charges? CEAUSESCU: I will not answer. PROSECUTOR: Let us now talk about the accounts in Switzerland, Mr. Ceausescu. It is as if, in that moment, everyday Romanian's saw the possibility, saw the reality of the weakness of Ceausescus regime. CEAUSESCU: I will not answer this question. [1], His security guard appeared, disappeared and, finally, hustled Ceauescu off the balcony. Elena and Nicolae reject this. This was a coup d'etat. Who pays them? PROSECUTOR: In all district capitals, which you grandly called municipalities, there is shooting going on. ELENA CEAUESCU: Incredible. We have ensured an apartment for every citizen through corresponding laws. , the former US ambassador to Syria, has effectively accused the Obama administration of abandoning genuinely pro-American rebels in Syria thereby allowing the ascendance of al-Qaeda. Not a single shot was fired in Palace Square. In 1947, we assumed power, but under completely different circumstances. Please make a note that here it has been stated that all legal regulations have been observed, that this is a legal trial. You need not admit your mistakes, mister. We have ensured an apartment for every citizen through corresponding laws. I now ask the court to pass a verdict on the basis of the law, because everybody must receive due punishment for the offenses he has committed. Like a jalopy falling apart on the road, dropping a screw here and a spring there, the Obama administration is gradually shaking itself to pieces. No, no, he says. You were the most important aide, the number two in the cabinet, in the government. The streets and squares of Bucharest were littered with torn portraits and shattered busts of the President and his wife. ELENA CEAUESCU: Such impudence! Forget the pontifications from the myriad talking heads on TV and radio. This is where President Ceausescu gave his final speech in December 1989, before fleeing Bucharest. ELENA CEAUSESCU: What genocide? Nicolae Ceauescu (Romanian pronunciation: [nikola.e tea.uesku]; 26 January 1918 -- 25 December 1989) was a Romanian Communist politician. Paper is patient. CEAUSESCU: We will discuss this before the Grand National Assembly. PROSECUTOR: Do you not know anything about the order to shoot? Nobody has opened an account. Powered by Omeka, Roy Rosenzweig Center for History & New Media. They were not really interested in the people. NICOLAE CEAUESCU: Nobody can change the state structures. Because of this indictment, I call for the death sentence and the impounding of the entire property of the two accused. Plenara Comitetului Central al Partidului, Consiliul de Stat, Guvernul, repr. PROSECUTOR: This would serve your defense. Now the counsel for the defense, who was appointed by the court, asks whether Nicolae and Elena Ceauescu know the aforementioned facts that he is no longer president, that she has lost all official functions. Ceausescu begins his address to the people as he had in years past but this year the tide turned. No one wanted to do anything for you anymore. Only a president who is still confirmed in his position can demand to speak at the Grand National Assembly. Earlier, joyful crowds had paraded through the city after reports that Mr Ceauescu had been arrested after trying to flee from the roof of the party headquarters by helicopter. He refused to undergo a psychiatric examination. Sections in italic type are from the austrian television comentary: CEAUSESCU: She was not a deputy prime minister, but the first deputy prime minister. The English translation is by the U.S. government's Foreign Broadcast Information Service. What prevents him from doing so? No one wanted to do anything for you anymore. PROSECUTOR: Please, make a note: Ceausescu does not recognize the new legal structures of power of the country.