Romania’s Marcel Ciolacu has emphasized his country’s commitment to regional stability, as the nation navigates a volatile political landscape ahead of a presidential election re-run
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has pledged to support US President-elect Donald Trump’s moves to end the Ukraine conflict. In a parliamentary address on Monday, Ciolacu emphasized Romania’s commitment to peace and its readiness to work with the incoming US administration.
“I firmly believe that, after January 20, once he officially takes office, one of President Trump’s major priorities will be to stop the war in Ukraine. Romania will fully support the United States in this endeavor,” Ciolacu stated.
Trump has pledged to prioritize an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine upon taking office. He has expressed and intention to facilitate peace talks, urging both nations to be “prepared to make a deal” to end hostilities. He has criticized the Biden administration’s decision to permit Ukrainian forces to use American long-range weapons for strikes into internationally recognized Russian territory, labeling it as “stupid” and expressing concerns over escalating tensions.
Ciolacu’s remarks come amid a complex political landscape in Romania, following the first round of presidential elections held in November which heralded the unexpected rise of independent candidate Calin Georgescu, a critic of NATO and the EU. His campaign has been marked by opposition to military aid for Ukraine and a desire to negotiate Romania’s position within the EU and NATO. He overcame the liberal leftist candidate Elena Lasconi and Ciolacu himself.
Ahead of a second-round vote scheduled for the beginning of December, Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled Georgescu’s victory, citing a clause in the nation’s laws that emphasizes the need to ensure the correctness and legality of the election. The judicial body announced that the entire election would be re-run at a later date.
The annulment came amid accusations that Russia assisted Georgescu’s campaign, which have been dismissed as “absolutely groundless” by Moscow.
On Monday, Romanian lawmakers voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by the incumbent prime minister.
