Romania's presidential aspirant, Elena Lasconi, stands firm in her campaign, disregarding USR's decision to back Nicusor Dan instead.
Revamped Romania Rewind
Hey there! Let's break down the latest happening in Romania's political arena.
Romania's progressive party USR took a significant turn this week, endorsing Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan for the upcoming presidential elections. This decision marks the withdrawal of their support for party leader Elena Lasconi, as per a National Bureau meeting on April 9.
Apparently, the party's vice president Dominic Fritz revealed that they'd back an independent candidate because Nicușor Dan is the only pro-European contender with a real shot at the second round. USR plans to validate this decision with a Political Committee soon.
Not one to back down, Lasconi vowed to press on with her candidacy, declaring that she's more determined than ever. In a statement to Digi24, she accused the party of making an "extremely bad decision", driven by apprehension about public backlash if Nicușor Dan falls short in the elections. Ouch!
defends her stance, "I will not resign. I have been a fighter my whole life." Talk about resilience!
Interestingly, Fritz's shift in support stems from recent polling that indicates far-right party AUR's leader George Simion and independent Victor Ponta (former Social Democrat, carrying ultranationalist views) as the leading candidates for the second round.
Despite the potential setback, Fritz remains hopeful about USR staying committed to the pro-European cause, urging other political groups like PNL and UDMR to get behind Nicușor Dan.
Alright, here's a quick recap: With eleven candidates in the race, Romania's set to rerun the presidential elections this year. The first round kicks off on May 4, and a run-off follows on May 18. And yes, even if Lasconi steps down or ceases active campaigning before May 4, her name will still appear on the ballot.
Whew, echoing Lasconi, things in Romania's political landscape can sure get rotten! But remember, staying informed is half the battle. Keep that fire burning, and we'll be here to help you navigate the political wilderness!
(Photo source: Inquam Photos / George Călin)
Tidbit 1: USR is making this move to avoid a toxic scenario where two anti-European candidates make it to the runoff, potentially steering Romania away from its pro-EU and pro-NATO stance.Tidbit 2: Nicușor Dan is the only pro-European candidate with a real chance at advancing to the second round, unlike Elena Lasconi.Tidbit 3: The decision prioritizes Romania's national interest over party loyalty, aiming to maintain the country's European orientation.Tidbit 4: Lasconi characterized the decision as a "political execution" and suggested it may have been driven by fear or external pressures.Tidbit 5: The decision was supported by a majority in both the National Bureau and an informal political committee meeting, which Lasconi questioned, stating it lacks legal weight.
- The United Salvation Front party (USR), in a move to avoid a potential shift away from Romania's pro-EU and pro-NATO stance, has announced its decision to withdraw support from party leader Elena Lasconi and back independent candidate Nicușor Dan for the upcoming presidential elections.
- The party's vice president, Dominic Fritz, declared that they prefer an independent candidate because Nicușor Dan is the only pro-European contender with a genuine chance of reaching the second round.
- In response to this move, Elena Lasconi, while defending her stance, declared that she will not withdraw and will continue her candidacy, alleging that the decision was a politically motivated one driven by fear or external pressures.
- Announcing their support for Nicușor Dan, USR hopes to garner support from other political groups like PNL and UDMR to ensure Romania maintains its pro-European stance in the ongoing political landscape.
