ABSTRACT
In the days immediately after the revolution the National Salvation Front (NSF) was formed. Its first statement announced a commitment to democratic principles, including the multiparty system, and called for free elections as soon as possible. A major source of instability in postrevolutionary Romania has been NSF's hegemonic ambitions and its refusal to dismantle the secret police. In November 1990 attempts to organize extraparliamentary opposition led to the formation of the Civic Alliance as a nationwide grassroots movement committed to the development of democratic institutions and procedures. The democratic political parties that have emerged in Romania today, instead of being past-oriented, have set their sights on articulating the political and social interests and aspirations of many kinds of Romanian citizens. The Democratic Convention and Petre Roman's wing of the former NSF could coordinate actions and expedite changes.
