PNL Confirms Crin Antonescu as Presidential Candidate Pending Formal Nomination

Ilie Bolojan, the interim chairperson of Romania's National Liberal Party (PNL), announced that Crin Antonescu is the coalition's candidate for the upcoming presidential elections. Bolojan confirmed that PNL will formally nominate Antonescu at a National Council meeting, which will be scheduled once the election calendar is finalized, CE Report quotes Agerpres

"We have agreed to designate the candidate within the internal structures of each party. As soon as the election calendar is established, PNL will convene the National Council to nominate our candidate, in accordance with party statutes. This process should occur within seven days of the calendar being set. Mr. Crin Antonescu will then be formally designated as the PNL-supported candidate," Bolojan said in an interview with Digi 24.

He emphasized the importance of a unified campaign strategy for Antonescu, coordinated among coalition members, to avoid repeating past mistakes such as those seen during Bucharest's local elections. Bolojan proposed forming a campaign team with logistical and communication priorities agreed upon by all coalition parties.

When asked whether Antonescu remains the coalition's candidate, Bolojan affirmed PNL's support. "Within PNL, there is no issue regarding support for Mr. Crin Antonescu's candidacy. His nomination is merely a formality that aligns with our internal procedures," he stated.

However, former PNL leader Crin Antonescu expressed frustration with the coalition's lack of decisive action and clear timelines, describing their agreement to support his candidacy as "suspended." While Antonescu remains open to running for president, he voiced dissatisfaction with what he described as the coalition's hesitancy and lack of commitment to his campaign.

Antonescu's formal nomination by PNL, alongside the coalition's unified strategy, is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming presidential elections.