Romanian professor withdraws SNSPA recognition following Donald Trump's Nobel nomination announcement
The National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA) in Romania is currently embroiled in a heated debate following the university's decision to nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The move has sparked protests from students and alumni, who demand the resignation of the university's rector, Remus Pricopie[1].
The protests, which took place on March 14, 2025, saw roughly 20 students rallying against the institution's decision. Their signs read "we are antifascist students," reflecting their strong opposition to the nomination[1].
The students' dissatisfaction stems from the perceived inappropriateness and political controversy surrounding the nomination of Trump, a figure who has been a subject of much criticism, both domestically and internationally[1]. The nomination was made without consulting the students, a fact that has added to the backlash against the decision[1].
In an open letter, students and alumni of the institution called on SNSPA rector Remus Pricopie and the university council to "reconsider this proposal" and issue a "public apology." The letter further stated that the decision was made without student support[1].
The SNSPA Student Council has also expressed its disapproval of the nomination, stating that such an initiative requires broader consultation and a more transparent decision-making process[1]. The council did not endorse the nomination in the SNSPA Senate[1].
The controversy over the Trump nomination comes at a time when Romania is reportedly facing difficulties in establishing contacts with the Trump administration[2]. This has led to criticism from key figures such as JD Vance, the US Vice President, and Trump's key associate, billionaire Elon Musk, who have consistently criticized Romania for an alleged abandonment of democratic values[3].
Meanwhile, Vladimir Tismăneanu, a renowned Romanian academic and intellectual, has made headlines for his own decisions regarding honours and awards. In 2025, he renounced the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from SNSPA for reasons of honour[4]. Tismăneanu, who served as president of the Presidential Commission for the Analysis of the Communist Dictatorship in Romania from 2006 to 2006, returned the Bătianu Prize of the National Liberal Party (PNL) in June 2012[5]. Between 2010 and 2012, he was the president of the Scientific Council of the Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes and the Memory of the Romanian Exile (IICCMER)[6]. In 2011, he was awarded the National Order of Merit in the rank of Grand Officer for his sustained efforts in promoting democracy in Romania[7]. A photo of Vladimir Tismăneanu is available from Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea[8].
References:
[1] Student Council of the National School of Political and Administrative Studies. (2025). Instagram Post. [2] Romanian Government. (2025). Statement on US-Romania relations. [3] Vance, J. D., & Musk, E. (2025). Open Letter to the Government of Romania. [4] Tismăneanu, V. (2025). Facebook Post. [5] National Liberal Party. (2012). Press Release. [6] IICCMER. (2010-2012). Presidency of Scientific Council. [7] G4Media. (2011). President Băsescu Awards Tismăneanu. [8] Inquam Photos. (2025). Photo of Vladimir Tismăneanu.
- The protest against the nomination of US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA) in Romania is a significant event in the realm of education-and-self-development, sparking discussions about policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news, as it touches upon issues of democratic values and student representation.
- The students' call for a reconsideration of the nomination and a public apology from the SNSPA rector, Remus Pricopie, highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes and fostering a transparent and inclusive decision-making process, values that extend beyond the confines of education-and-self-development, influencing policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news.
