Addressed to Kirsty Hughes, Chief Executive, London, United Kingdom
In the coming weeks the Romanian Parliament will vote on a mining law to determine the future of a major mining investment in a deprived area of North Western Romania, Rosia Montana.
There has been a great deal of public discourse around this issue, and supporters and detractors have engaged in lively debate in the mainstream print media, TV and online.
In what appears to be a politically motivated move the Romanian broadcast regulator, the National Audiovisual Council (CNA) has sought to halt public information TV commercials supported by the mining workers union the „Future of Mining”, while two-thirds of Romanians have expressed their support for the project in a regional referendum, and in public polling.
The project is opposed by a small but vocal domestic minority, funded by billionaire activist George Soros, and publicized by state-run Russian media. Protests are being orchestrated by a coalition of foreign environmental NGOs.
Supporters of the project point out that it will be a standard bearer for a revitalized mining sector, highlighting that Romania is “open for business,” encouraging local and foreign investors to seek opportunities in Romania, and boosting growth. It will also help create a modern mining sector that is the envy of the world – modern mining and environmental protection can only happen as consequence of investment and strong economic growth Corporations, such as the one proposing the mining project in Rosia Montana, can be easy targets for vocal minorities but in this case it seems some believe free speech ought to be curtailed simply because one group opposes the views of another, opposes the very workings of the free market economy, or indeed seeks personal financial gain by derailing a major investment.
Romania has only in recent years emerged from a dark era of state controlled media and suppression of voices. This chilling attempt to muzzle participation in the debate about Romania’s future threatens the very bedrock of free speech upon which the future health of our democracy relies.
Respectfully,
Cristian ALBU,
Chairman,
Future of Mining Trade Union,
Rosia Montana
Romania