Parties from Romania, including the Liberals and Hungarians, endorse independent contender Nicusor Dan for the presidential position.
The Lowdown on Romania's Presidential Elections:
On May 5, the National Liberal Party (PNL) unequivocally decided, with a unanimous vote, to back independent candidate Nicuşor Dan during the second round of the presidential elections. The Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), led by Kelemen Hunor, also announced their support for Dan.
Kelemen Hunor explained their decision, stating, "We should set aside our differences and support Nicuşor Dan." Adding, "It's only logical and responsible to vote against George Simion, the anti-Hungarian candidate, in the second round. Let's disregard all objections and rally behind Nicuşor Dan."
The mayor of Bucharest, Nicuşor Dan, will challenge George Simion, the favorite of far-right parties AUR and POT, in the May 18 second round of the presidential elections.
Crin Antonescu, who secured third place in the first round, supported by the ruling coalition comprising PNL, Social Democrats (PSD), and UDMR, fell just a hair behind Dan in the initial round of voting. On the contrary, PSD has decided not to endorse any candidate in the upcoming May 18 election.
(Nicusor Dan Facebook Page)
While specific reasons for the PNL and UDMR's endorsement of Dan aren't explicitly expressed, it's plausible that they support Dan due to his relatively moderate stance against ultranationalism compared to Simion, his alignment with European integration ideals, and an attempt to counter anti-establishment sentiment.
Crin Antonescu's moderate stance against ultranationalism and alignment with European integration ideals might have been a significant factor in the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR)'s decision to back independent candidate Nicuşor Dan in the second round of the presidential elections. The PNL and UDMR could be attempting to counter the anti-establishment sentiment by voting against George Simion, the favorite of far-right parties AUR and POT, in the May 18 election. It's also worth noting that Crin Antonescu, who was supported by the ruling coalition comprising PNL, Social Democrats (PSD), and UDMR, came close to Dan in the initial round of voting, though PSD has chosen not to endorse any candidate in the upcoming election.
