Republica: Romania – the pro-European organization withdraws support for its leader in the electoral campaign

The USR Policy Committee (Romanian Salvation Union) decided to retreat its support for Elena Lasconi during the run before the first circular of this year's presidential election.

The decision was announced by Dominic Fritz, USR vice-president and Mayor of Timișoary. He stated that the decision was made after “thousands of talks” indicating that Elena Lasconi's chances of reaching the second circular were almost zero.

"I hatred to say that Elena Lasconi would have 45% of support," said Dominic Fritz, who pointed out that the organization is presently dealing with a different context than in erstwhile elections.

Despite Elena Lasconi's repeated declaration that she would not retreat from the race, USR has already decided to support Nicușor Dan, mayor of Bucharest, leaving Lasconi with no means to proceed the fight for presidency.

It should be noted that all these abrupt events occurred after the organization allegedly received the results of a public opinion survey which indicated that Lasconi could number onless than 5% of the vote.

“The thought that voices can be mechanically transferred from Elena Lasconi to Nicoșora Dan is wrong. No candidate has any votes at home. Those who voted for Elena Lasconi voted for her due to the fact that she was Elena Lasconi, not due to the fact that she was the USR president. The only change is that from now on USR can support the candidacy of Nicoșor Dan with money and logistical support," commented political writer Florin Negruțiu.

In the race before the November presidential election, Lasconi took second place and was to face the populist rightist Calin Georgesc in the December playoff. However, the authorities annulled the election results due to accusations of Russian interference that Moscow denied and ordered a rerun on 4 May. The Constitutional Court prohibited Georgescu from taking part in the elections. Elena Lasconi's name will stay in the electoral lists but will appear alternatively as an independent candidate.

Source: Republica.ro

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