Romania’s PM Ciolacu Announces Presidential Bid, Potentially Straining Country’s Coalition
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has declared his candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections later this year, a move that could put a strain on the delicate balance within the governing coalition, as it pits him against a potential candidate from the other major party, Bloomberg reports.
The 56-year-old leader announced his bid on Tuesday in a audio recording sent to his party members and obtained by the G4Media news website. The Social Democratic party press office confirmed the authenticity of the recording when contacted by Bloomberg.
The decision to run follows pressure from his Social Democrats to put himself forward for a post that the party hasn’t occupied in two decades.
“I decided to run for president and I’m confident that together we’ll manage to win the presidency after 20 years,” Ciolacu said in the message. “I will present my plan during the party congress on Saturday as Romania needs stability and balance.”
Ciolacu’s move pits him against National Liberal Party leader Nicolae Ciuca, who has already announced his presidential bid. The Social Democrats and Liberals are political rivals who teamed up in 2021 to form a power-sharing government, a construction they’ve said they may continue following general elections.
The contest to succeed President Klaus Iohannis will take place on November 24 with a potential second round on Dec. 8, while parliamentary elections to determine the next government will be held on Dec. 1, Romania’s national day.
The top contender for the presidency is NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, a former Social Democratic leader who may run as an independent. He’s currently leading in the latest polls, followed by Ciolacu in second place.
While primarily a ceremonial position, the Romanian president has certain powers, such as appointing the prime minister, dissolving parliament, and representing the nation in international affairs, including EU summits. The president also serves as the army’s chief and possesses the authority to veto legislation by returning it to parliament or challenging its constitutionality in the Constitutional Court.
