Ludovic Orban has been dismissed by President Nicușor Dan from the position of presidential advisor.
„The President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, and presidential advisor, Ludovic Orban, have mutually agreed to end their collaboration. The decision was made amicably. The President expresses his appreciation for Mr. Orban’s activity and wishes him success in future projects,” announced the Presidential Administration.
The reason for the dismissal was not made public, but political sources told Spotmedia.ro that it could be related to a statement in which Ludovic Orban criticized Cătălin Drulă for using the President's image in the campaign for the Bucharest City Hall elections.
Orban stated on Saturday, on Antena 3, that Nicușor Dan is not involved in the campaign for the Bucharest City Hall, and that the USR party is using his image.
"He was asked (Nicușor Dan - ed.) at the press conference this week and explained his point of view. He was present at the launch event. That doesn't mean he is involved in the campaign. Of course, the USR party is using the President's image, eventually they will end up annoying Nicușor Dan's supporters by effectively abusing his image," stated Ludovic Orban.
He was asked if Nicușor Dan is bothered by this, stating that they have not discussed this matter.
"I confess that we have not discussed this subject. Ultimately, the decision lies with the people of Bucharest and they are to decide," added Ludovic Orban.
Nicușor Dan distanced himself from Cătălin Drulă
President Nicușor Dan stated on Wednesday, in a lengthy press conference, that he does not support any candidate for the Bucharest City Hall, after USR deputy Cătălin Drulă claimed to have his support to enter the electoral race.
Nicușor Dan emphasized that he is interested in the future of Bucharest, but does not get involved in the political competition for the General Mayor's Office.
When asked if he regrets the photo taken in the summer with Cătălin Drulă, the USR candidate for the Bucharest City Hall, Nicușor Dan explained that the image has no political significance.
"I took many pictures since then. A parliamentarian from Bucharest paid me a visit and we took a picture," said the head of state, rejecting the idea of involvement in the USR campaign.
Cătălin Drulă officially launched his candidacy for the Bucharest City Hall on November 2, and about 400 USR members and supporters, including Nicușor Dan, attended the event. The President also explained why he chose to get involved and did not remain neutral towards this political event.
"I received the invitation from USR Bucharest, the people I have collaborated with for a long time, an opportunity to say what I believe is important for Bucharest," stated the President, mentioning that he conveyed "messages about Bucharest" and that, regardless of the election outcome, he will collaborate "with any General Mayor elected by the people of Bucharest."
Orban was appointed as an advisor last month
Ludovic Orban was appointed as a presidential advisor for internal policy in October. His activity at Cotroceni started on November 6.
Orban was a Prime Minister and President of the PNL. He ran several times for the Bucharest General Mayor's Office, but without success. He also ran in last year's presidential elections, but withdrew announcing his support for Elena Lasconi.
His relationship with Nicușor Dan dates back to 2020 when, as a liberal leader, he supported him as the joint PNL-USR candidate for the Bucharest General Mayor's Office. His campaign at that time ended with Nicușor Dan's victory.