Romanian Social Democrats Faced Pressure from PES and S&D to Back Pro-EU Presidential Candidate
Socialists Across Europe Urge PSD in Romania to Back Pro-EU Presidential Contender Nicusor Dan
In a bold show of solidarity, the Party of European Socialists (PES) and the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament have issued a statement, expressing their unequivocal opposition to nationalism, populism, and the far right[1]. The statement, released on May 12, was a firm call for the Romanian Social Democratic Party (PSD) to stand behind pro-EU presidential candidate Nicușor Dan ahead of the May 18 elections.
The rallying cry comes at a crucial juncture for Romania, as the elections will shape the country's stance on the European Union. The election dynamics are such that it will either propel Romania towards a pro-European path or steer the nation towards a more nationalist, anti-Ukraine policy under the leadership of populist candidate George Simion[2].
The PES and S&D have criticized the PSD's initial refusal to endorse Dan, viewing this as a missed opportunity to counter the surge of far-right populism[3]. They have urged the PSD to unite with pro-European factions to support Dan, stressing the importance of preventing the rise of populist forces[1].
Influential members of Romania's PSD have offered contrasting statements about the party's orientation, with some potentially backing Simion's isolationist campaign[3]. However, the PSD has not officially endorsed any of the candidates[3]. This ambiguous position leaves the door open for potential alliances with various political groups, depending on the election results[3].
Should the incumbent PSD leaders form an alliance with Simion's Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), it might not necessitate extensive reforms, according to sources[3]. Despite the PSD's underwhelming performance in the parliamentary elections and repeated presidential election losses, the party's leaders, including former prime minister Marcel Ciolacu, have remained in power[3].
The PES and S&D's call for unity against the far right is indicative of broader European concerns about the rise of nationalism and its potential impact on European unity and stability. As Romanians prepare to cast their votes, the stakes are high, and the decision will resonate far beyond Romania's borders.
(Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5])
(Image Source: Cateyeperspective/Dreamstime.com)
- Amidst growing concerns about nationalism and populism across Europe, the Party of European Socialists (PES) and Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament called on the Romanian Social Democratic Party (PSD) to support pro-EU presidential candidate Nicușor Dan, countering the rise of far-right populism.
- The urgency of this call arises from the crucial role the elections will play in determining Romania's stance on migratory policies, war-and-conflicts, and policy-and-legislation within the European Union.
- As the elections approach, the PSD's ambiguous position, not officially endorsing any candidate, leaves room for potential alliances with various political groups, including crime-and-justice-related factions or those stemming from fires or car-accidents.
- The stakes are high, and the impacts of the decision are anticipated to reverberate through general-news spheres, influencing Europe's stability, policy-and-legislation, and even crime-and-justice matters.
