The King added that the candidacy is meant
to unite and better the country and admitted that it is not a common
thing for a member of the Royal House.
According to his Royal Highness, the family was repeatedly invited by
intellectuals and politicians to participate in the country's route.
"The right move for the country comes at the right time. I think that
time is here," explained the King.
Radu Duda announced his candidacy to presidency on April 9. Politicians
reacted immediately to the news. Deputy of the ruling Liberal Democrat
Party (PD-L), Sever Voinescu, said this move is nothing but a desperate
attempt of the coalition against president Basescu to keep the chief of
state from winning another mandate. He added the prince lacks the
wisdom of King Mihai.
On the other hand, former president Ion Iliescu and member of the Social Democrat Party (PSD) which forms the ruling alliance with PD-L, saluted the idea, saying it is every person's constitutional right to run for presidency.
A former actor with a 20-year career in the field, Prince Radu embarked
on a political career in 2002 when he was appointed the special
representative of Romania's government, until last year.
In 1996 he married Princess Margareta, King Mihai's daughter and in
1999 became a prince. Nine years later he was named Prince of Romania
and Royal Highness.
The president's five-year mandate will end in the fall this year and elections are most likely to take place in November.
