Former President of Romania Ion Iliescu on Monday offered “sincere congratulations” to President-elect Nicusor Dan on Monday, saying his victory showed “a deep aspiration of voters for a responsible, honest and future-oriented leadership.”
In a rare public statement, the 95-year-old, who served as president three times, said that Bucharest Mayor Dan’s background in public administration and public life gave people hope for a “a presidential mandate marked by balance, respect for democratic values and concern for the well-being of all Romanians.”
The former leader of the Social Democratic Party also called on “all democratic political forces to work together, to put aside conflicts and to support the president… in his effort to ensure stability, continuity and a clear direction for the country.”
Romania descended into a political crisis after the cancellation of presidential elections last year over allegations of Russian interference to help a radical pro-Kremlin outsider who won the first round. The high-drama stake rerun of elections transfixed and polarized Romanians as they faced a choice between continuing their pro-Western path of pursuing a mire isolationist line.
In his post on his personal blog, Iliescu noted that the country was experiencing “a complex period, with special economic, social and geopolitical challenges.”
Romania needs “coherence, dialogue and firm commitment in strengthening democratic institutions and its European path,” the former head of state said.
“I am convinced that you will exercise this responsibility with dignity and with a sense of duty to the nation. I wish you much success in fulfilling your mission…. and the strength to remain faithful to the ideals of social equity and progress,” he wrote.
Iliescu’s Social Democratic Party he founded in 1990 is in disarray and refused to endorse Dan in the runoff against nationalist George Simion. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned after the government’s candidate failed to make it to the runoff. The party, which remains the biggest group in the Parliament, meets later Monday, to discuss whether it will participate in a future government under Dan.
Iliescu led Romania between December 22, 1989-1992, and was elected president between 1992-1996 and 2000-2004.
Pro-EU centrist Nicusor Dan stages stunning comeback to win Romanian presidential election
