Two of Romania’s most prominent pro-Brussels, globalist politicians, Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan and USR party leader Elena Lasconi, met Wednesday evening, signaling possible coordination ahead of the country’s rescheduled presidential election in May.
The meeting followed the government’s decision to set May 4 as the new election date, after the Constitutional Court annulled December’s vote over allegations that front-runner Călin Georgescu, an anti-globalist candidate, had benefited from Russian interference.
A recent CURS poll places Dan at 21%, positioning him as a potential challenger to Georgescu, who leads with 37%. Meanwhile, Lasconi lags behind at 7%, though both candidates are appealing to similar voter bases. Dan, however, stopped short of asking Lasconi to withdraw to consolidate support.
“Everyone is still campaigning, and not all the polls are in,” Dan said, emphasizing that their discussion focused on ensuring a pro-Western candidate makes it to the runoff. He remains confident in his viability.
Lasconi dismissed the idea of stepping aside, insisting both she and Dan could make it to the second round. She argued that neither the ruling coalition’s candidate, Crin Antonescu, nor the isolationist bloc offers “a real solution for Romania.”
With the official campaign season kicking off on April 4, all candidates must register by March 15. While Dan, Lasconi, and Antonescu have confirmed their bids, Georgescu—despite his dominant polling—has yet to formally announce.
Meanwhile, Diana Șoșoacă, a controversial anti-vaccine activist and European Parliament member, has been disqualified from running by the Constitutional Court. Some critics argue Georgescu should face the same fate.
Dan, the USR’s founder and former leader, remains a key figure in Romania’s pro-Western camp, fueling speculation that his old party may see him as the stronger contender against the rising anti-globalist tide.
