Press Release: Councilor Lützkendorf Traveled to Romania's Sister City, Lugoj

Kathleen Lützkendorf, Jena’s Commissioner for Social Affairs, Health, Immigration, and Climate, represented the mayor last week at the celebrations marking “Lugoj City Day” (Ziua Municipiului Lugoj) on July 22.

The holiday was celebrated for the first time this year; it commemorates both the city’s anniversary and the entry of the Romanian army on July 22, 1919. The date marks the official establishment of Romanian civil administration in Banat, the region in southwestern Romania where Lugoj is located. For the people of Banat, this moment is seen as a symbol of liberation and a peaceful new beginning.

The official program began on Wednesday morning with a ceremonial session of the Lugoj City Council, followed by a visit to a historical exhibition focusing on the events of 1919. The highlight of the first day was a reenactment of the Romanian Army’s entry into the region in July 1919.

On Thursday, the official meeting with Mayor Călin Dobra and Deputy Mayor Oana Tyukodi took place. Following this, during a meeting with representatives of the Colegiul Național “Coriolan Brediceanu” school, Department Head Lützkendorf presented German-language youth literature to the school’s German teachers. In the afternoon, together with Angelica Uscat, the director of the Social Assistance Directorate in Lugoj, the delegation visited a facility for people with intellectual disabilities as well as a care facility for children and adolescents. The city delegations’ visit concluded with the Gala Premiilor Lugojene, an event that has honored the city’s citizens for their commitment for over ten years. 

Lützkendorf, Head of Social Affairs: “This was the second time I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the hospitality of our sister city, Lugoj. I was particularly pleased to continue the exchange in the social sector and to agree on further steps together, such as future visits. Between the official engagements, I also had the opportunity to check out the city’s new electric buses and minibuses—things are really moving forward here!”

As early as next week, students from Lugoj will visit Jena as part of a school trip—a tradition that has been upheld for many years. A visit by a delegation from the Lugoj Fire Department is planned for September. 
 

Background:

Jena has a long-standing partnership with the city of Lugoj, which has a population of around 35,000 and is located in southwestern Romania. A partnership agreement was signed as early as July 1983. Following the political transition, a citizens’ partnership developed, supported primarily by the “Association for the Promotion of the Partnership between Lugoj and Jena e. V.,” founded in 1994. Regular student exchanges, the annual Christmas gift drive for children in need, and reciprocal visits are among the many facets of this city partnership.