Former presidential national security advisor Iulian Fota warns that Romanian President Nicușor Dan risks repeating the mistakes of previous administrations if he does not quickly strengthen his own team and a coherent strategic direction in the security domain.
In an interview with News.ro, Fota appreciates that the new head of state „has started on the right path,” but has already made some mistakes that could affect the efficiency of his mandate.
"He tends to keep and work with Marcel Ciolacu's people, which can only lead to the same results as those achieved by the former prime minister," Fota said, suggesting that the president needs to build his own loyal team capable of delivering the promised reforms.
According to the former advisor, Romania is at a delicate moment where internal and regional challenges require leadership with a solid vision in the field of national security. "From a security agenda perspective, I do not yet see a vision, there is no clarity. The institutions do not function integrally, there are many things to be done in many areas," Fota said.
He believes that Nicușor Dan should become a "commander-president," capable of managing crisis situations, including amid regional conflicts and economic pressures. "We need a commander-president in times of war. We must prepare for the worst, not just hope for the best," Fota stated.
Regarding the appeal made by the president to the business environment to support state reform, Fota said that this strategy is insufficient:
"The president should first leverage competent people in the public administration who are currently marginalized, and only then seek support from the business environment."
Nevertheless, the former presidential advisor acknowledged President Nicușor Dan's merits, stating that he "has improved the main three threats looming over Romania" and has managed to "reconnect the country with Western chancelleries."
"He has a real chance to build a strong presidency, but he needs to move out of the ambiguity zone and define Romania's strategic directions more clearly," concluded Iulian Fota.