Marcel Ciolacu: “I voted for a Romania with a strong voice in the world, whose president should work for the country”

“I voted for an economically strong Romania, a Romania with a strong voice in the world. I voted for a Romania where Romanians can have a decent living and last but not least, I voted for a Romania whose president works for the country and for his people. I voted for as many victories as possible for the Romanians and Romania, as was the last victory a few days ago, the full accession to the Schengen area”, declared Marcel Ciolacu, upon leaving the polling station.

“I voted for stability, for balance and social equity and also for peace. We all want a better life and we all want to be like we Romanians are. I am convinced that after this electoral campaign we will be like that”, added the prime minister.

Romanians vote on Sunday, November 24, in the 2024 presidential elections, the first round and in the referendum in Bucharest. Turnout data can be viewed in real time.

Essential things to know about the 2024 presidential election

Election calendar. In the next three weekends, Romanians will elect their president and parliamentarians. According to the 2024 election calendar, published in the Official Gazette, during November 24 – December 8polls will be held every weekend. The 2024 presidential election, the first round, will take place on November 24on Sunday, at the same time as the referendum initiated by the general mayor of the Capital, Nicușor Dan. The referendum includes three questions that the general mayor says are essential for the development and administration of Bucharest.

The next elections, the parliamentary ones, will also take place on a Sunday, on December 1, the very National Day of Romania. The 2024 election concludes with a presidential runoff scheduled for December 8.

Romania elects its 5th president after the Revolution. From 1989 until now, Romania has had four presidents – Ion Iliescu, Emil Constantinescu, Traian Băsescu and Klaus Iohannis. According to the Constitution, the president of Romania can only hold office for two consecutive terms, which means that, regardless of the outcome of the elections, Romania will have a new president starting in 2025.

What powers does the head of state have? From his role in foreign policy to the influence he has on the government, the president of Romania plays a fundamental role in the country’s political system. It is also important to note that the president benefits from a considerable salary, having the highest position in the Romanian state. However, its powers and role are very clearly defined by the country’s fundamental law. The duties of the president are divided into two broad categories – domestic policy and foreign policy. Also, the Constitution of Romania establishes a clear set of rules and conditions that must be respected in order for someone to be able to reach the highest position in the state.

Where and how we vote? To actively participate in elections, citizens must be well informed and know exactly how and where they can vote. In the polling stations, voters will have to carry a valid identity document and comply with all the specific procedures established by the electoral authorities. Whether they are in the country or abroad, Romanians will be able to access the necessary information to ensure a fair and transparent voting process. Before arriving at the polling station, it is essential to know the election calendar, but also to be aware of all the procedural steps to ensure that you exercise your right to vote in a correct way. Turnout data can be viewed in real time.

Electoral promises. In the rush for votes, many of the candidates in the presidential elections from 2024 they make fanciful promises, forgetting or ignoring the fact that the powers of the President of Romania are quite limited internally. In the presidential race, each candidate has developed a electoral program with promises for citizens.