National Liberal Party (PNL) Chairman Ilie Bolojan believes that the elections for the party’s leadership will take place in the second half of this year.
„PNL members will elect the president when the political competitions end… Normally, elections are always held after a round of elections, let’s say parliamentary elections. Given the special situation we have, with the cancellation and postponement of elections, it is very likely that they will happen in the second half of this year. Anyone who wishes to run will be able to, and our colleagues from PNL will be able to choose whomever they want. I came into this position in a critical situation for PNL, I assumed this responsibility, but there is no problem. Any colleague can run, and our colleagues will choose. Whether I will run or not remains to be seen when the internal election calendar is decided,” said Bolojan on Prima TV private television broadcaster.
Regarding Crin Antonescu’s candidacy for the presidential election, Bolojan emphasised that Romania needs „stability” and a president who „won’t lead the country into chaos and isolation.” He mentioned that among the initial proposals he had made were ministers Daniel David and Emil Hurezeanu.
„There was a discussion within the coalition, and each party came up with several proposals, and Mr. Crin Antonescu was included in these proposals everywhere. He was one of the proposals I put forward as well. (…) There were two other people whom I respect greatly (and whom I proposed – editor’s note): Mr. Daniel David and Mr. Emil Hurezeanu,” added the liberal leader.
Bolojan voiced confidence that Antonescu „will keep the country on the pro-Western path” and will represent Romania „with dignity.” He also highlighted that Antonescu has political experience.
„I will do everything within my power during this period to support this candidacy. If he loses, it will certainly be a reckoning. But we will see how things evolve. I hope we won’t find ourselves in that situation, because it won’t be Antonescu, Bolojan, or some individuals losing, but the great loss will be for our country. But I hope we don’t reach that point. And I believe he has a great chance to win the elections and give us the opportunity for a reset, a new beginning, so that we can correct the things we haven’t done well in these years and Romania can be a trustworthy, respected country, where things are moving in a good economic direction,” said the PNL leader.
Ilie Bolojan believes that it is better for the parties in a coalition to support a single candidate, as otherwise, there is a risk of division. Additionally, multiple candidates „on the same political track” can lead to „the scattering of votes,” argued the liberal.
AGERPRES
