The 1923 Constitution in the history of Romania: political struggles and democratic challenges

The article is devoted to the analysis of the adoption of the 1923 Constitution of Romania and its impact on the country’s political and legal system. The author examines the historical prerequisites for the creation of this document, particularly the change in the state status of Bukovina and Bessarabia after World War I. Special attention is paid to the political debates surrounding the adoption of the Constitution, especially the confrontation between the liberal majority and opposition forces, which questioned its democratic nature and the real mechanisms for ensuring citizens’ rights. The article provides a detailed analysis of the main provisions of the 1923 Constitution, its similarities with the 1866 Constitution, and the innovations aimed at expanding civil rights and freedoms. The study explores issues related to the electoral system, the legal status of citizens, social guarantees, and the role of the parliamentary monarchy in Romania’s political system. The article highlights the legislative process, the role of the king and the government in shaping state policy, and the interaction between the legislative and executive branches of power. A particular focus is placed on the influence of external factors on the constitutional process, especially the international political realities of that time. The author notes that despite the proclaimed democratic principles, the 1923 Constitution generated significant controversies due to difficulties in its implementation and the effectiveness of protecting citizens’ rights. In conclusion, the article asserts that the 1923 Constitution was an important step in Romania’s legal development, laying the foundation for the modernization of state governance and strengthening the legal framework of the parliamentary monarchy. It contributed to the expansion of voting rights, the formation of political institutions, and a partial strengthening of social guarantees. The political struggle between the government and the opposition, along with the instability of Romania’s domestic and foreign policy, led to the need for further constitutional changes during the interwar period. The 1923 Constitution became a symbol of the aspiration for democratic reforms, but its practical implementation demonstrated the challenges of enforcing democratic norms in an unstable political environment.