Romanian Prime Minister Ciolacu Resigns as PNL Leader Following Election Defeat

The current Romanian Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, who is the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PNL), announced his resignation as party chairman on Monday after a crushing defeat in the first round of the presidential election. According to Digi24's sources, the entire party leadership resigned shortly afterwards.

‘Resignation is a unilateral act. We have also ended this discussion. In the upcoming PNL elections, I, Marcel Ciolacu, will not run for any position. I will remain in the government until a new majority is formed,’ the Romanian prime minister said. 

‘Dear Romanians, thank you for your trust! I am resigning as president of PNL. The traditional parties, despite their many programme mistakes, are the ones that should keep Romania united. The National Liberal Party is aware of the huge stakes these days. The National Liberal Party has the resources to show people all the good it has done over the years, it has the evidence that the investment of European money has improved the living standards of many communities. But more than that, the National Liberal Party is aware of its mistakes and will fight to the end to ensure that Romania remains a free and democratic country,’ he said in a video message. 

‘Dear Romanians, I understand what you wanted to tell us! Despite the mistakes we have made, we have learnt the lesson that the electorate has taught us, and we will respect the decision of the Romanians. I thank all citizens for their vote and assure you of my full respect,’ Ciolacu also said. 

PNL's candidate in the presidential election took only 5th place with 8.79% of the vote. Far-right pro-Russian candidate Bohdan Basescu won the most votes in the first round of the presidential election in Romania over the weekend.