Toma Ivan, Former First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Union of Communist Youth of Romania, Visits the Academy of Marxism for Academic Exchange
On November 28, 2019, Toma Ivan, former member of the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party, alternate member of the Political Executive Committee [1], and First Secretary of the Union of Communist Youth and Minister of Youth Affairs, visited the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) to conduct academic exchanges with experts and scholars. Ivan shared his views on issues such as Romania’s economic and social transformation and its current state of development following the drastic changes in Eastern Europe [2]. The meeting was presided over by Xin Xiangyang, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism Studies.
Ivan argued that prior to the drastic changes in Eastern Europe, Romanian socialism was in a period of continuous development and achieved immense constructive successes, which were attained under the guidance of Marxist theory. From 1980 to 1989, Romania took significant steps in industrialization and secured important achievements. At that time, Romania’s industrial development reached a high level, agriculture achieved modernization, and the educational level of the youth was greatly enhanced. In early 1989, Romania paid off its foreign debt, and Ceaușescu [3] decided to continue utilizing external loans to develop the national economy. Under the combined influence of various internal and external factors, drastic changes occurred in Romania in December. The vast majority of Party and state leaders were arrested and sentenced to prison on charges including genocide and the destruction of the national economy. These individuals were generally sentenced to life imprisonment. Following the transition, the national economic situation changed. First came deindustrialization, as large state-owned enterprises were shuttered. Romania subsequently transitioned to a capitalist system and joined NATO and the European Union. Many young people went abroad for work in succession. According to statistics, the number of Romanians working abroad is second only to that of Syria.
During the report session, Ivan spoke several times about the deep impression his current visit to China had made on him. He noted that socialist China is powerful and prosperous, its people live affluent lives, and its degree of modernization far exceeds that of Eastern European countries.
Participants also engaged in exchanges and discussions regarding the developmental situation in Romania.
Vice President Xin Xiangyang thanked Ivan for the content-rich report delivered to the Institute of Marxism Studies. He introduced the thirteen significant advantages of China’s state system and governance system as summarized by the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee [4]. One element of Chinese experience, he noted, is that "one generation works after another" [5]. Forty years ago, Chinese leaders proposed the goal of building a moderately prosperous society [6]; by the year 2000, we had achieved a moderately prosperous society in general terms, and by 2020, we will have built a moderately prosperous society in all respects. It took exactly forty years to complete this grand objective. Ivan expressed his sincere affirmation and appreciation for this, stating that the Romanian people pay close attention to the achievements China has made. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Romania. He extended his warm congratulations and expressed his hope for further opportunities to understand China more deeply.