site.btaRomanian MEPs with Diverging Comments on First Round of Presidential Elections

The results of the first round of Romania's presidential elections have drawn diverse comments from Romanian Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) across various political groups. Here are some of the comments they shared with BTA's Martina Gancheva at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Monday.

Q: How would you comment on the outcome of the first round of Romania's presidential elections?

Eugen Tomac (Renew Europe/People's Movement Party) called the results "a complete collapse of the leaders of the ruling coalition" and noted, "For the first time, the Left has failed to reach the second round." He highlighted the "real shock" as Calin Georgescu, an independent with "pro-Russian views and alleged anti-Semitic rhetoric," rising from about 5% in polls three weeks ago to over 22%, driven by "a professional online campaign with no transparent financial disclosures," which the MEP called "the largest case of Russian interference in an EU election campaign."

Maria Grapini (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats/Social Democratic Party) called the results "unexpected" and said they show "how manipulation can sway voters." She remarked that many Georgescu supporters "do not know him or what he has done in the past 20 years," citing arguments like "he speaks well" and "he wants what's best for Romanians." Grapini concluded, "It is disheartening that after 35 years, there are still voters who cast their ballots without being informed."

Dan Barna (Renew Europe/Save Romania Union) remarked: "It was a tough, emotional battle, but also a major victory." He added: "Our reformist candidate made it to the second round and is well-positioned to offer Romania a future of prosperity and freedom."

Nicolae Stefanuta, an independent MEP (Greens/European Free Alliance) said, "The results show the failure of Romania’s political class to address the real concerns of the people." He noted, "People say they care about big-picture issues, but vote on everyday struggles," and called Georgescu’s rise "a surprise because it came from nowhere - essentially from the Internet."

Adrian Axinia (European Conservatives and Reformists Group/Alliance for the Union of Romanians) noted: "The outcome is a major surprise." He added: "Calin Georgescu’s victory shows that the sovereignist vote is gaining strength." He concluded: "Reality shows that this was an anti-establishment vote. Romanians are tired of the two major parties that have ruled for 35 years and want change."

Q: Who will win the second round: right-wing candidate Calin Georgescu or Save Romania Union leader Elena Lasconi? Which of them would be a worthy president of Romania?

Tomac said, "Mr. Georgescu will face Ms. Elena Lasconi, a pro-European leader" and added "this election represents a stark geopolitical choice." He said, "Georgescu admires Putin, while Lasconi views him as a criminal," emphasizing the runoff's "strong geopolitical undertones" and the danger of "Russia's presence in Romanian politics." Tomac described Lasconi, aligned with the EU and NATO, as "the only viable solution for Romania's security" and expressed confidence that "Romanians who understand the dangers of populism" and "the risks we are exposed to, if we were to align with Russia" would support Lasconi.

Grapini said, "Romania is in an extremely challenging position. Neither candidate offers the solutions Romania needs." She added: "Lasconi appeared to be directed by others, and voter turnout in the second round may decline further."

Barna said, "We fully support Elena Lasconi. She represents a liberal, pro-European future for Romania." He added: "The choices for voters are now clear, and I am confident that Lasconi and the Save Romania Union will emerge victorious."

Stefanuta said, "I will support the pro-European candidate, Elena Lasconi." He warned: "Anything can happen if voters fail to mobilize." He also said: " We need to communicate this clearly – Georgescu is not what he appears to be."

Axinia said, "We anticipate that the sovereigntist faction that we also represent will prevail," noting that Lasconi "opposes our voter base" and has embraced progressive values. He added, "The sovereigntist movement is gaining momentum as Romanians demand change."

Q: What sort of message would it send to Europe if Romania elected a president with pro-Russian, anti-NATO, and anti-Western views?

Tomac said, "I cannot believe we could face such a situation. It would be a disaster for Romania." He added, "After Moldova, Romania now experiences Kremlin election interference" and said he is confident the pro-European Romanian people will vote against the Russian candidate.

Grapini said, "The signal for Europe will not be favorable." She added, "Unfortunately, we will once again find ourselves cornered, despite the efforts of Marcel Ciolacu's government to establish communication channels with the EU and non-EU countries, such as the United Kingdom."

Barna said, "I hope that this trend, although present in these elections, will subside in the second round, and Romania will once again demonstrate that it is a stable bastion of Europe and NATO in the eastern part of the continent."

Stefanuta cautioned: "Georgescu’s success is a warning sign. We must ensure Romania remains firmly anchored in Europe and NATO."

Axinia defended his party and Georgescu, saying, "Our party is pro-European and pro-NATO, affiliated with the European Conservatives and Reformists." He added, "Falsehoods like suspicions of being a Russian spy have been attached to us and our leader, George Simion, who is a true patriot safeguarding Romanian interests." Axinia noted, "Statements about Calin Georgescu have been taken out of context", and he would have to step out and clarify his positions. He concluded, "The media often label without verification", but said he was confident Georgescu has the greatest chance of winning.

Representatives of the European People's Party/National Liberal Party and independent MEP Diana Sosoaca were also approached for comment but had not provided responses at the time of publication.