The Week in Politics

Here we find a conventional, almost unremarkable, yet politically significant theme from the early 1970s, included here as a reminder of the structure, content, and language of a “typical” news story from that era. The topic covers the National Conference of the Party held in July 1972, which set Romania’s development priorities for the next three decades. Given its importance, it was essential for the newsreel to include coverage of the conference, accompanied by formal declarations of enthusiastic support from the population, in line with the propaganda style of the time.

After the 1970s, in particular after the so-called “Theses” of July 1971, the way in which the newsreel conveyed its messages became increasingly formulaic, especially in the coverage of current affairs. One can observe the frequent use of phrases in the voice-over commentary such as “the country as a construction site,” the “firm” commitment of the population, and the (invariably) “prestigious” outcomes of their work.

The language of the newsreel commentator is mirrored by the pre-written statements of those featured in the mandatory vox pops scattered throughout the news stories that documented political events. In this context, the language and expression often feel artificial, full of “fiery calls,” “total adhesions,” and “vast actions.” Occasionally, however, a more genuine, everyday tone emerges. For example, the president of the Cooperative from Gîrbovi gives the impression that he is speaking candidly, suggesting that the people in his cooperative might actually work even in the absence of the cameras.

The first National Conference of the Party, following its re-entry into legality after being outlawed in 1924, took place in October 1945, while Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej was elected General Secretary of the Party.