Crin Antonescu acknowledged his defeat after Nicușor Dan moved into second place in the real-time vote count for the first round of the presidential elections in Romania. He said he is leaving „with his head held high.” And he urged those who voted for him in the first round to vote in the second round for the one who can at least carry forward some of his projects.
Crin Antonescu left the campaign headquarters shortly after Nicușor Dan moved into second place and stated that the result is "irreversible."
"The votes have spoken, the citizens have spoken, I'm sorry. I'm leaving this attempt, I believe, with my head held high, that's how I feel, at least. I presented a program, I presented some ideas, I presented some solutions, I presented a character.
The verdict of the Romanians was different. There would be much to discuss about a country where we were all scared that a gentleman like Călin Georgescu is at 20%, and where, behold, we find ourselves with a gentleman like George Simion at 40%. (...) The people's vote must be respected, I am once again glad that they came out to vote. We will see what will happen next," stated Crin Antonescu upon leaving the campaign headquarters.
The PSD-PNL-UDMR candidate said it was a pleasure to meet many Romanians again.
"I thank once again those who voted for me. I share with them, I assure them, the sadness of this evening. I feel it too, but life goes on. Politics is just a part of life. I urge all those who have confidence in Romania and its destiny, in its energies, in its power, to continue to fight, both in politics and, of course, in all other aspects," said Antonescu.
Crin Antonescu was also asked whom he will support in the second round.
"Here are two simple things. Simple as hello. One. I don't know what the coalition will do. I was not part of the coalition. I thank once again the three parties and the minority groups for their support during the campaign, but political decisions, such as what to do in the second round, whom to support, belong exclusively to them.
As for me, I presented a program, some ideas, some people voted for me. I leave it to these people and I urge them to vote in the second round, to consider for themselves, I think it's not very difficult, with whom exactly, among the two remaining candidates, the principles, values for which I ran now are compatible. They may not find all of them, they may not find them in the same way, but a choice is always difficult, and I urge them to make it. In any case, I urge them not to stay at home," Antonescu added.
Fate of the governing coalition
Asked about the fate of the governing coalition that supported him, he said that he is not a member of any party, but when 40% of Romanians vote for George Simion, "anything can be discussed."
"I can only appreciate this in relation to myself. I did what I could. That's what I can tell you. Of course, there is always room for more, especially when you fail. But I did this honestly. I did it with all my might, I did it with all my faith," Antonescu said.
Asked if he had spoken with PM Marcel Ciolacu, Antonescu said that he had not, but he thanks the leaders of the coalition.
Because some of the coalition leaders have said that if Antonescu does not make it to the second round, this could even lead to the breakup of the governing coalition, Antonescu was asked if there is this risk.
"I, for one, do not have an answer to that question. I did not make the statements, I do not have to respond. I, once again a mere citizen, believe that it would not be good for it to break up, because I don't see an alternative. But when 40% of Romanians vote for George Simion, and this is a verdict that I cannot challenge. I have no right as a democrat to challenge it. Probably other discussions can be held as well.
From my point of view, I thought that the only pro-Western coalition that could be formed is the one currently in place. But, going forward, parties have the duty to take into account the will of the citizens, to seek other options if necessary, it's not my job," Crin Antonescu concluded.