In order to end months of political unrest, the centrist promised on Monday to start a “new chapter” in Romania. However, George Simion, his pro-Russian and pro-nationalist rival, asserted that the May 18 election was a “coup d’etat.”
Dan promised to stop corruption and affirm Romania’s commitment to the European Union and NATO in the weeks leading up to the election, which was marred by the cancellation of November’s initial election due to Russian interference.
He declared in his inaugural address that he would address Romania’s economic and political problems and that he would “open the door to the voice of society.”
According to him, “the Romanian state needs a fundamental change within the rule of law,” and I encourage you to stay involved to put positive pressure on state institutions to change. I urge political parties to pursue national interests.
“National treason”
Months after the Constitutional Court’s decision to rescind the previous election, the May election rerun took place.
In the first round of the November election, Calin Georgescu, a far-right pro-Russian, had received the most votes, but Moscow has refuted those accusations of electoral violations and Russian interference.
Before a surge in the campaign’s final days pushed Dan out, Simion, the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), took his place and dominated the polls for weeks.
Simion has repeatedly claimed that the election was rigged by foreign interference since the results were released without providing any specifics.
Following Simion’s request to cancel the vote, the Constitutional Court affirmed the results on Thursday.
The court’s decision was condemned as a “coup d’etat,” while Simion criticized the AUR’s members for “legitimizing a national treason.”
Supporters of the extreme right are expected to protest, so authorities are still on the lookout for them.
The outcome was regarded as crucial for maintaining Romania’s position within Western alliances, especially as the conflict continues in neighboring Ukraine, with the victory over Simion widely anticipated throughout Europe.
“We won the presidential election in Romania.” At a rally in Poland for liberal Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, who will face nationalist Karol Nawrocki in a presidential run-off on June 1, Dan said, “People rejected isolationism and Russian influence.”
Dan faces significant difficulties as Romania struggles with both its political and economic situation.
Given that the political class is increasingly being resisted, figures like Georgescu and Simion have emerged as front-runners. He must first choose a prime minister who can secure the support needed to form a new government.
Ilie Bolojan, who had been in charge of interim government, is expected to meet Dan. The National Liberal Party, which supports the EU, has been suggested as a potential prime minister.
On Monday, Dan made few promises about Romania’s economic difficulties.
The new president claimed, “The Romanian state is spending more than it can afford,” to put it simply.
Source: Aljazeera
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