Crin Antonescu, the presidential candidate of the electoral alliance „Romania, Inainte!” (Romania Forward), voted on Sunday for a Romania that is „united,” „strong,” and „dignified.”

„It is a beautiful day, but it is also a very important one. I am glad that, based on the initial indicators, we have a strong turnout both in the diaspora and inside the country – perhaps even a record turnout. This is extremely important for the legitimacy of the elections and the moral strength of the future president. I am glad Romanians are coming out to vote, and I hope they will continue to do so throughout the day. I voted for a united Romania, for a strong Romania, for a dignified Romania,” said Antonescu, who came to vote with his wife and daughter at a polling station organised at School No. 12.

He noted that every campaign is tough, and a presidential campaign is „very tough.”

„It’s been, above all, a long campaign. I’m not referring only to the 30 official days, but to the entire history and psychological weight of this campaign,” Antonescu added.

When asked about his expectations, he responded: „Victory! Only victory!.”

„People are divided. The annulment of the previous election was a social trauma, but it’s the mission of the future president to unite Romanians,” he added.

His wife, Adina Valean, voiced hope that Romania will have „strong representation abroad” in the future.

„I am also glad that we look forward. I hope that Romania will be backed by strength in the years ahead so that we, as other EU member states, can rise and have a strong presence abroad, as I have seen throughout my career in foreign policy, with confidence, so help us God!,” she said.

His daughter, Irina, said she voted for a better future for young people.

„If my father wins, of course I will return (to the country),” said Irina, who is currently studying abroad.

„You’re not allowed to campaign,” Antonescu replied.

AGERPRES