“Romania has a fever again. In November 2024, the “black swan” of the presidential election campaign, which unexpectedly broke into the group of leaders, became an “independent candidate” (a self-nominated candidate who was not supported by…”, — write: www.unian.ua
But the passion surrounding this event did not have time to subside and just as the discussion of new dates for the presidential elections began, the candidate from the ruling coalition, Crin Antonescu, announced that he was suspending his participation in the campaign. At the same time, accusing the coalition parties PSD, PNL and UDMR of leaving him without support. In particular, he stated: “If they want to see me as a candidate again, let them look for me themselves” and “I am not backing down, but I believe that we should be decent and serious people.”
The formal reason for the suspension was indignation at the fact that until now there was no unanimous approval of his candidacy by the coalition leaders. Let me remind you that the coalition (PSD, PNL, UDMR and the group of national minorities) agreed on Antonescu as a joint candidate in the presidential elections. And this was recorded in the protocol signed on December 23. However, party leaders have yet to vote in governing bodies, raising doubts about the unity of support. At the same time, Antonescu emphasized that he is ready to continue participating in the election race if the coalition resolves all issues and makes a decision.
It seems that Krin Antonescu does not want to be a mere statistician in the elections, but wants real influence and powers. So, on this background, I’m ready to play “Mr or Miss”.
But will such a strategy work? He called on the coalition to immediately announce the date of the elections, provide guarantees for democracy and define its position on the candidacy, and stressed that it is not going to back down, but will not be a “backup option”.
Of course, this again changes the schedule for the upcoming elections. Not all voters of the pro-European spectrum were delighted with the candidacy of Crin Antonescu. Now I’m ready – the coalition shows a lack of unity. It can be assumed that the lack of unity will be demonstrated by its voter. On the one hand, this opens a window of opportunity for an independent candidate, the popular mayor of Bucharest, Nikušor Dan. On the other hand, who knows if he will have enough votes for a convincing victory.
Instead, feeling the weakness of the coalition, the voters of the extreme right – Giorgescu and Simion – can mobilize. This couple just demonstrates unity and readiness to “fit in” for each other. And simply removing them from the elections this time will not be so easy.
Unfortunately, due to all these events, Romania is confidently losing its position as an island of stability in the region.
Serhiy Gerasymchuk, Deputy Executive Director of the Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism“director of the Regional Initiatives and Neighborhoods program
The texts published in the “Opinions” section do not necessarily reflect the position of the editorial board of UNIAN. You can read more about our editorial policy at the link