Ex-prime minister Victor Ponta initiates fresh political party within Romania's political landscape
Here Comes "Romania First": Victor Ponta's New Political Venture
Victor Ponta, the former Romanian prime minister famously known for his tenure between 2012 and 2015, declared this week that he's diving back into politics with a fresh party named "Romania First."
The intriguing political concept will consolidate PRO Romania, the party Ponta founded post his departure from the Social Democratic Party, with the Romanian Ecologist Party, and a motley crew of experts and volunteers from his presidential election campaign. With a keen eye, Ponta is also said to be wooing dissatisfied members of the Social Democratic Party.
"We continue the political scrap on behalf of the 1,240,000 Romanians who had faith in and voted for the 'Victor Ponta Plan to Exit the Crisis.' We are launching the Political Platform 'Romania First'; this platform has as its political objective the defense of the rights and legitimate interests of Romanian citizens," Victor Ponta candidly shared on Facebook.
The former PM, who pocketed over 1.2 million votes, equating to a little over 13%, in the first round of the presidential elections on May 4, also urged the two remaining presidential candidates, George Simion from the far-right and centrist Nicusor Dan, to present their main governing measures. According to Ponta, he will base his decision for the second round on these proclamations and projects.
"We must keep up with the changes in Romanian society and the world, rebuild a professional alternative with economic and social solutions, but grounded in national values and the current expectations of Romanians, combat cronyism and lack of competence that have unnerved the electorate and propelled them towards extreme and populist solutions. There should no longer be ego, animosity, or personal interests blocking this necessary process," Ponta asserted.
"I am not the 'savior' or 'sponsor' of the 1,240,000 votes; I am solely accountable to these Romanians and responsible for their legitimate expectations. I will act without hesitation and with utmost determination in this regard," he added.
(Radu@our website)
(Photo by George Calin via Inquam Photos)
What We Gather from the Enrichment Data:
- Name of the Party:
- While the name of the party might not be exactly 'Romania First,' Victor Ponta seems to be establishing a new political party.
- Members and Leadership:
- Ponta is the assumed head of the party. The list of members is yet to be unveiled.
- Political Objectives:
- The political objectives of the party are still unclear, but it seems they will challenge the prevailing political scene in Romania.
- Stance on the Romanian Presidential Election:
- Ponta's participation in the presidential election resulted in a 13% vote share. His party's stance on the election would likely parallel his own campaign goals, which may have defied nationalist and fascist leanings from other candidates like George Simion. Since Ponta's own candidacy was not nominee for the runoff, his party might advocate for a specific candidate or maintain a critical posture toward Simion and his policies.
- Victor Ponta is launching the political party, "Romania First," consolidating PRO Romania, the Romanian Ecologist Party, and volunteers from his presidential election campaign.
- Ponta is reportedly courting dissatisfied members of the Social Democratic Party to join "Romania First."
- In his declaration, Ponta emphasized combating cronyism and lack of competence that have unsettled the electorate.
- Ponta called on the remaining presidential candidates to present their main governing measures, stating his decision for the second round would be based on these proclamations and projects amidst the ongoing migration, war-and-conflicts, and general-news context.
