Voting centers in Rumania They opened this Sunday for novenas presidential electionsin which nearly 18 million citizens are called to decide the political future of the country.
It is elections They occur at a crucial time, marked by economic and social challenges, in addition to growing instability in Eastern Europe due to the war in Ukraine and the tensions with Russia.
With the end of the current president’s term, Klaus Iohanniswho cannot run for a third term after having been elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2019, the romanians They will vote among candidates who represent diverse political and strategic positions for the country.
According to the state news agency Agerpresfavorites include the prime minister Marcel ciolacuto the far-right leader George Simionand the former Minister of Defense Nicolae Ciuca. Marcel ciolaculeader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), leads the polls with approximately a third of voting intentions.
Ciolacu advocates for greater integration of Romania in the European Union and its entry into the Schengen zone, underlining the importance of consolidating the presence of Romania in Europa.
Second place, according to the surveys, could be occupied by George Simionleader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (GOLD). Simonconsidered by many a far-right nationalist, defends the permanence of Romania in the I’LL TAKE while promoting a policy of neutrality and non-intervention in international conflicts.
Thirdly, there is Nicolae Ciucaof the National Liberal Party (PNL) and former Minister of Defense. Ciuca presents himself as a strong defender of the accession of Romania to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the strengthening of the strategic alliance with USA and the I’LL TAKE.
Other notable candidates are Elena Lasconifrom the Save Romania Union (USR), y Mircea Geoanăformer deputy secretary general of the I’LL TAKEwho is running as an independent candidate.
Regarding the voting format, the electoral system Romanian requires that the president be elected by an absolute majority. The result is likely to be decided in this second round due to the fragmentation of the vote.
The elections come at a difficult time for Romania. Domestically, the country faces significant economic challenges, such as inflation and unemployment, as well as social problems related to inequality and emigration. At the international level, the next president will have to manage the growing tensions in the region, derived from the war in Ukraine and the aggressive stance of Russia in Eastern Europe.
Furthermore, the country has the task of advancing its integration with Europaconsolidate its position in the I’LL TAKE and manage key strategic relationships with USA. Voters, aware of the importance of this electionwill decide not only the immediate political future, but also the role of Romania on the global stage.
With polling stations open until 9:00 p.m. (local time), preliminary results are expected in the next few hours. If no candidate reaches an absolute majority, the country will prepare for a decisive second round that will define the presidency.
(With information from EP and AFP)
