On May 4, Romanians will vote again for president, after the Constitutional Court annulled the first round held in November 2024 due to suspicions of foreign interference. The court ordered the electoral process to start over, and Senate President Ilie Bologian became interim president, following the resignation of Klaus Iohannis, BTA reports.
The presidential term in Romania is five years with a maximum of two consecutive terms. The head of state has a semi-executive role - he commands the armed forces, chairs the National Defense Council, appoints the prime minister, senior magistrates and heads of services, and represents the country in the EU and NATO.
These are the tenth presidential elections since the fall of communism in 1989. Since then, the country has had four full-term presidents: Ion Iliescu, Emil Constantinescu, Traian Basescu and Klaus Iohannis.
The candidatesThere are 11 candidates in the race - seven party members and four independents. All had to submit at least 200,000 signatures. Among those rejected is the far-right Calin Georgescu, the favorite in the annulled election.
If no one wins more than 50% of the vote, a second round will be held on May 18.
Main candidates:
Gheorghe Simion (AUR): The 38-year-old leader of the nationalist party replaced the disqualified Georgescu. A strong supporter of unification with Moldova, Simion is known for his civic actions and anti-globalization positions.
Crin Antonescu ("Romania Forward" coalition): The 65-year-old former leader of the NLP and interim president in 2012, returned to politics after a ten-year hiatus, supported by the ruling coalition.
Elena Lasconi (SSR): The 52-year-old former TV presenter and mayor of Câmpulung is among the most popular opposition figures. After the annulment of the elections, her party withdrew its support, but she remained in the race.
Cristian Terhes (RNCP): MEP with conservative views and an active position against EU policies. Former priest and journalist.
Victor Ponta (independent): Former prime minister and leader of the Social Democratic Party, who left the party after announcing his candidacy. This is his second candidacy since losing to Iohannis in 2014.
Silviu Predoiu (LNA): Retired general and former deputy director of foreign intelligence. He is betting on a strong, unifying presidential model.
Sebastian Popescu (New Romania Party): Veterinarian by education, journalist and political outsider with low results in previous elections.
Lavinia Săndru (HSLP): Former actress and MP, active since the early 2000s. Emphasizes social policy and female leadership.
John-Ion Banu-Muscel (independent): A Romanian who lived in the United States, he declares himself in favor of the death penalty and the return of national values. His candidacy was contested, but admitted.
The elections are being followed with increased attention, given the unstable political situation, the increased anti-European sentiment and the expected key role of the new president in the country's geopolitical priorities.