Professor Cătălin Avramescu condemns the decoration of Ion Vasile Banu, a veteran of the Romanian Army who fought alongside the Nazis, considering the gesture scandalous and irresponsible.

Cătălin Avramescu, professor of political science and expert in the history of Nazism, vehemently criticized the decision of Mayor Nicușor Dan to decorate Ion Vasile Banu, a soldier from Division 13, who fought alongside German troops in the Odessa Massacre of 1941. Avramescu described the gesture as "scandalous and irresponsible," emphasizing that Banu did not fight for freedom and democracy, but was part of a campaign of extermination ordered by Adolf Hitler.

He highlighted that the decoration sends an unacceptable message, similar to "Heil Hitler!". Avramescu called for a clear distinction between patriotism and war crimes, also bringing into discussion the controversial commemorations related to the legionary figure Corneliu Zelea Codreanu. In the end, he suggested that Nicușor Dan should reassess his advisors and take responsibility for this decision.