Morceaux du devenir d'un leader politique: Lascăr Catargiu - préfet du district de Neamţ
Fragments from the ascension of a political leader: Lascăr Catargiu - prefect of the Neamţ county

Summary/Abstract: At the end of 1849 or at the beginning of the next year, Lascăr Catargiu was designated prefect of the Neamţ county. Catargiu was, at the time, less than thirty years old and he lacked significant administrative experience. His social position and family relations, and his participation at the events of the year 1848 were probably the main reasons of his designation as prefect. However, he managed to successfully fulfil his attributions. He took part in several enquiries concerning the activity of former county officials, and played a pivotal role in the reactivation of the local council of Târgu Neamţ and in the reconstruction of the school of Piatra (the district capital). On the other hand, despite his efforts, Catargiu could not manage to solve other problems, like the situation of the roads in the county. When he left office, he was praised by the superior authorities and he was officially received among the boyars (nobles) of the Moldavian Principality. His first experience as prefect is important for the understanding of his later career. The familiarization of the young boyar with the administrative practice and his success in office allowed him to aspire to positions of both greater power and prestige.

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