Gabriela Firea had a first reaction on Wednesday after being defeated in the elections for the Mayor of Bucharest, stating that she expected to lose due to the numerous center-left candidates in the political basin, but not by such a large margin.
It is worth mentioning that Nicușor Dan won a new term as Mayor of Bucharest, with a score more than double that of Gabriela Firea.
She specified that it was a campaign that was too short, compared to the need to remind what she had achieved as mayor and, especially, to explain what she wanted to continue to solve.
”A campaign that was too short, compared to the need to remind what I had achieved as mayor and, especially, to explain what I wanted to continue to solve. (…) I expected to lose, due to the numerous center-left candidates in the political basin, but not by such a large margin.
We will all analyze the causes, besides the tough, intense, unprecedented campaign waged against me for a year (when I had a 10-point lead over the current mayor) and the political corridor congestion. There will be more political exams this year, and we need to prepare better,” Gabriela Firea stated in a message posted on Facebook.
Gabriela Firea emphasizes that she does not blame herself for accepting to run at the last minute, when the other candidates were in full pre-campaign mode.
”My negative response, at 1 in the morning, after 16 hours of meeting, in a moment of crisis for the party and the coalition, would have meant selfishness and that I only think about my image, which would have suffered if I had lost. I am not that kind of person. I have been and will continue to be a devoted, loyal colleague, with the desire to do good for people, even with personal sacrifices. I have proven it many times over time,” Firea announced.
She also says that she reproaches herself for not being able to meet more Bucharest residents, to participate in more events, and believes that in the few media appearances, she spoke too technically.
”I blame myself for not being able to meet more Bucharest residents, for not reaching all neighborhoods in the six sectors, for not having time to discuss the city's issues with more organizations, associations, civic entities, for not being able to participate in more radio, televised, or print media interviews in this intense month. It is possible that in the few media appearances, I spoke too technically, too administratively; this language is the result of work and experience, but it is not emotionally engaging and not attractive at all,” Firea added.
Gabriela Firea concludes by stating that her activity does not stop here.
”My activity will not stop here. I will be tireless in promoting the modernization of communities, women's rights, equal opportunities, and protecting everyone's health. With God and good thoughts ahead!”, Firea said.