Independent candidate in the presidential elections, Nicușor Dan, voted shortly before 9:00 in his hometown, Făgăraș.
After voting, Dan explained the reason why he chose to come and exercise his right to vote here, in the school where he studied. He said he voted „thinking of the many people who are quiet, honest, hardworking, and who have not felt represented for a long time.”
Before entering the polling station, he stated that he had also expressed his electoral choice there 15-20 years ago.
The candidate greeted a few teachers who were waiting for him in the polling station yard. He told them that "there are not two Romanias, one of the big cities and one of the small towns."
He voted thinking of the people who do not feel represented
Asked, after voting, what thoughts he had when coming to the polls, the candidate said: "Thinking of many people who are quiet, honest, hardworking, and who have not felt represented for a long time."
"I voted for a change that brings prosperity and not one that brings adventure and discourages investments in Romania. I voted for a European direction and for good collaboration with our European partners and not for isolating Romania. And I voted for a society where we manage to have dialogue and not one where we are divided.
I voted with hope because Romania has people - both in Romania and in the diaspora and in the Republic of Moldova - who can build the Romania we desire. And I chose to vote here, in Făgăraș, to convey to people that it is important to know where we came from and because there should not be two Romanias, one of the big cities and one of the rural areas and small towns," Dan stated.
Asked about the memories that the place where he voted evokes, Dan replied that there was no specific building, but it was a sports hall: "that's the old building where I studied from 5th grade to 8th grade."
Asked further if he feels nervous for today, Nicușor Dan said he always does, but especially today, because Romania is choosing its future not for 5 years, but for longer: "it's a turning point, it's a very important election, and that's why I want to invite all Romanians to go out and vote."
Regarding accusations from his opponents about possible election fraud, Dan stated: "I don't want to campaign on election day; from the beginning, all I've seen from them is scandal."
Dan then answered questions from foreign journalists in English.