Chair of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Sorin Grindeanu on Sunday congratulated Marcel Ciolacu and Ciprian Ciucu for winning the by-elections in Buzau and Bucharest respectively, and also praised Daniel Baluta for running a fair campaign.

„I thank the Romanians who turned out to vote today in what I would call a reasonable number, despite the rain and cold, to cast their ballots. Regarding the results, I want to begin by congratulating Marcel Ciolacu – 52%, a very good result, one that shows PSD continues to lead in its traditional strongholds. Of course, I cannot overlook the fact that in Buzau Marcel [Ciolacu – ed. note] faced a joint PNL-USR candidate who received 10%. I congratulate Ciprian Ciucu for his victory in Bucharest as well. I also congratulate Daniel Baluta for conducting a fair campaign; his attitude was the right one. We believed – and still believe – that Bucharest needs modernisation solutions. Bucharest residents have made their choice and Ciprian Ciucu is clearly, even though seven or eight polling stations remain to close, the new mayor general. Nothing can change that. I wish him success,” the PSD leader said early Monday at the party’s headquarters.

He also congratulated the other 11 PSD candidates who won local by-elections.

„In fact, out of 14 localities where elections were held, PSD won in 12 – with the most significant victories in Bucharest and then Buzau. But I also want to congratulate our colleagues in Maramures (…), as well as colleagues in Iasi, Constanta, Bihor, Caras, Dambovita. These are achievements that we can mark today as positives. The matter that remains is Bucharest, where our score is in line with our political support – around 20-21% in major urban areas – which represents a solid starting point for rebuilding the Bucharest organisation,” Sorin Grindeanu said. AGERPRES