Romania will hold the first round of its presidential election on November 10, 2019. The second round will be held on November 24th between the top two candidates.
Here’s a brief overview of some of this year’s contenders:
Incumbent President Klaus Iohannis is seeking re-election for a second five-year term. He launched his campaign, last week, by taking jabs at the opposition party.
A member of the National Liberal Party, he has been critical of the Social Democrat-led government. More recently, he blamed the government of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) for the tragic murder of a 15-year-old girl in Caracal, Romania.
“The Caracal case, with all its profound implications, has shown us how serious the disaster provoked by the failed policies of those in government is today for the state and its citizens.”
His jabs against the government could also be a pre-election strategy for the upcoming 2020 parliamentary election as well as the presidential election. Polls show he is the most likely to win.
Calin Popescu-Tariceanu:
Former Prime Minister (2004-2008) and current Senate President, Popescu-Tariceanu is the leader of ALDE, the junior coalition partner in government. This is not his first attempt at the presidency. In 2014, he ran as an independent and came third, behind Iohaniis and Victor Ponta. Polls suggest he will come second in this year’s presidential election.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancilla:
Prime Minister Dancilla is hoping to be Romania’s first female president. Unfortunately, her election bid was not welcome by her party’s coalition partner, ALDE. The PSD has been the subject of criticism and scandal, as well as declining public approval. Its former leader, Liviu Dragnea, was sent to jail in May for corruption charges. Dancila has faced three no-confidence votes since taking office in 2018.
Dan Barna:
Barna is the leader of the Save Romania Union (USR), which has just signed an alliance with Freedom, Unity and Solidarity party (PLUS). He is also critical of the current PSD government, stating that “a change is needed.” Barna is currently a deputy in Romania’s parliament, he is seen as the closest appealto President Iohannis’ fanbase.
Victor Ponta:
Former Prime Minister Ponta was the runner up in 2014 presidential election. Also critical of the PSD party, he said: “I’m in opposite camps with the leadership. Most of the PSD voters feel the same.”
He is running under his new party, Pro-Romania. Polls suggest he will garner about 13% of the vote.
Romania has a semi-presidential system of government. There have divided opinions on what the role of the president should be – an honorary head which serves as a mediator of state power or an active role in government.
