Romania Schedules Presidential Elections for May 4
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Synopsis
Romania's presidential elections are scheduled for May 4, with partial local elections also set for the same day. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced new measures to ensure fair competition and prevent social media favouritism. The ruling coalition aims to endorse a single candidate amidst political stability.
Key Takeaways
- Presidential elections on May 4.
- Partial local elections will occur simultaneously.
- New regulations to ensure fair election competition.
- Ruling coalition plans two-round elections.
- Political stability is expected to lower borrowing rates.
Bucharest, Jan 16 (NationPress) Romania's presidential elections are set to occur on May 4, as declared by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday.
On the same date, partial local elections will also be conducted for key positions, including the leadership of a county council, a county capital city, three towns, and 13 communes, Ciolacu noted during a government meeting.
The government has introduced new measures to guarantee a fair election process, which includes regulations designed to curb favouritism by social media platforms. Companies that breach these rules may incur fines of up to 5 percent of their revenue, which could reach billions of euros for larger firms.
On January 8, Romania's ruling coalition agreed to hold a two-round presidential election on May 4 and May 18. The coalition has reiterated its intention to support a single candidate for the presidency.
The pro-European coalition government, which consists of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR), and national minorities, was sworn in last December, concluding a month of political instability following the annulment of previous presidential election results.
Despite the challenges ahead, Ciolacu has expressed optimism about his government’s capabilities. “I trust all the members of this team. They are individuals with significant experience and robust professional expertise,” stated Ciolacu, who also heads the PSD.
He highlighted the advantages of political stability, pointing out that Romania's borrowing costs in international markets have already begun to decline after the parliamentary vote, according to Xinhua news agency.
Ciolacu's cabinet comprises the Prime Minister, 16 ministers, and three deputy Prime Ministers—one from PSD without a portfolio, and two from PNL and UDMR with portfolios.
He has indicated that he will not pursue any position in future PSD leadership elections.
