Romanian President, Liberal Klaus
Iohannis, said he voted today for Romania to continue on the
European path. "The Romanians chose the Euro-Atlantic path, and
they did well. We are well integrated in the EU, we are well
positioned and we are highly respected in NATO. But for it to
stay that way, we have to vote accordingly," Iohannis said after
casting his vote at a polling station in Bucharest. In
Romania, where National Day is being celebrated today,
parliamentary elections have been underway since this morning,
with the far-right in the spotlight and a possible winner of the
poll. The vote straddles the two rounds of presidential
elections, the first held last Sunday, Nov. 24, with the success
of far-right candidate George Georgescu, the second scheduled
for Dec. 8. Yesterday, on the eve of the vote, President
Iohannis warned of strengthening political extremism and
populism. A position close to Iohannis' was also expressed
today by the Social Democratic premier, Marcel Ciolacu, who came
out soundly defeated in the first round of the presidential
election. In statements at his polling station, the premier said
Romanians are choosing today "between stability and chaos,"
between development and lack of funds to pay pensions and
salaries. The premier added that he voted for Romania to
continue on the road to full Schengen membership and remain part
of the EU and NATO.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
