Romania's Presidential Aspirant Simion Aims for Referendum Over Canceled Elections, Conditions Acceptance of Result if Public Demands Re-Vote
George Simion: Romania's Presidential Candidate Pushing for a National Referendum
George Simion, a radical candidate in Romania's presidential election, has suggested organizing a national referendum. His aim is to re-run the second round of the presidential election between former contenders Călin Georgescu and Elena Lasconi.
Simion has repeatedly criticized the previous presidential election as a "coup," claiming that democratic legitimacy can only be restored by returning to what he calls "Round 2, back!"
In the event he is elected and the referendum supports annulment, Simion intends to resign to pave the way for a re-run of the annulled vote. According to Simion, justice should be decided by the people, not the judiciary.
Under Romanian law, the president holds the power to initiate referendums on significant national issues, offering Simion a legal foundation for his proposed action. He believes that "the will of Romanian citizens becomes law."
The referendum could cause political turbulence, potentially leading to increased polarization and instability within Romania's political landscape. DAging court cases might be necessary to establish the legality of such a move.
Simion has also hinted at plans to propose Georgescu as Prime Minister repeatedly. If Parliament fails to approve his nomination, Simion may opt to disband the legislature and schedule early elections.
Engaging with Simion's proposals, he also criticized opponents for meddling in the judiciary and positioning himself as a defender of the people's sovereignty.
Overall, Simion's referendum plan reflects an aggressive approach to challenge the existing political order in Romania, consistently resonating with his nationalist supporters but potentially alienating others suspicious of undermining democratic processes.
George Simion, a radical presidential candidate from Romania, proposes a national referendum to repeat the second round of the presidential election, which he deems a "coup" lacking democratic legitimacy. If elected and the referendum supports annulment, Simion intends to resign, believing that the people, not the judiciary, should decide justice. Simion's plan to initiate a referendum, potentially causing political turbulence, shows his intent to challenge the existing political order, resonating with nationalist supporters but raising suspicion among those wary of undermining democratic processes.
