The PSD-PNL list for the European parliamentary elections was supposed to be opened by Ramona Chiriac, the head of the European Commission Representation in Romania (who had taken unpaid leave specifically for the campaign), but she announced in today’s PSD meeting that she no longer wishes to run as a candidate.
Ramona Chiriac bluntly tweeted: „I confirm that I am not running for the European Parliament elections, for personal reasons. I continue to support Europe in Romania and Romania in Europe.”
Marcel Ciolacu refused to give explanations for Ramona Chiriac's decision: "She publicly announced why she withdrew. I cannot comment on a decision made by Mrs. Ramona Chiriac. I had a discussion with Mrs. Chiriac. She publicly stated that she no longer wishes to run, and I think that's enough. It's her personal issue, and I don't have the right to speak about it."
A woman who is not affiliated with either party is what both Marcel Ciolacu and Nicolae Ciucă have long said they want as the lead candidate, both in Bucharest. But it turns out that the person found no longer wishes to do so.
Under these circumstances, the two party leaders announced the PNL and PSD lists with the remaining candidates, which include only 4 women, two of whom are in the last positions. Maria Grapini is not yet on the list, but remains an option, according to Marcel Ciolacu.
Who are the candidates from PNL for the European Parliament elections
Nicolae Ciucă stated that the National Political Bureau validated the list and the order of the liberals who will run in the European Parliament elections. Here it is:
- Rareș Bogdan
- Dan Motreanu
- Adina Vălean
- Daniel Buda
- Siegfried Mureșan
- Mircea Hava
- Gheorghe Falcă
- Virgil Popescu
- Alexandru Muraru
- Mara Mareș
"I voted for the alliance with PSD and other parties, and on this point, I approved the urgent convocation of the National Council on March 24 (Sunday), in order to validate the electoral alliance and finalize the merger by absorption with ALDE," Ciucă declared after the meeting.
Who are the candidates from PSD for the European Parliament elections
Marcel Ciolacu also officially announced the list of people that PSD proposes for the European Parliament, after Titus Corlățean also decided to withdraw because he did not have an eligible position. Details HERE about his reasons.
Maria Grapini is not yet on the list. The leader of PSD announced that Grapini is an option for the European Parliament elections. He did not specify whether she will join PSD or remain a member of the Humanist Social Liberal Party (PUSL).
Here is the list announced by Ciolacu:
- Mihai Tudose
- Gabriela Firea
- Claudiu Manda
- Victor Negrescu
- Vasile Dâncu
- Gheorghe Cârciu
- Dragoș Benea
- Dan Nica
- Ştefan Moşoiu
- Roxana Mînzatu
The first position on the list is not decided by drawing lots
Nicolae Ciucă does not agree that the person who will be placed in the first position on the joint list should be decided by drawing lots.
When asked if a replacement for Ramona Chiriac should be chosen between Mihai Tudose (PSD) and Rareș Bogdan by drawing lots, the Senate President replied: "I believe it is a serious matter, and we are trivializing a position for the European Parliament list. Drawing lots is not the way to handle such a solution."
Marcel Ciolacu was also questioned on the matter, stating that he will soon discuss with Nicolae Ciucă about who will lead the joint list for the European Parliament elections and they will decide on a name together:
"Regarding Mihai Tudose, he is an option to lead the list, but following the decision made by Mrs. Ramona Chiriac, I am firmly convinced that in the following days I will meet with Nicolae Ciucă and together we will decide how to proceed."