Independent candidate for president of Romania and current mayor of Bucharest, Nicosor Dan, said that the country should increase its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030. and stressed the importance of continuing to support Ukraine in its war with Russia.
In an interview with Reuters, Dan stressed that the stability of Romania and neighboring Moldova directly depends on the outcome of the conflict: "The war in Ukraine is essential for the security of Romania and Moldova."
Dan, 55, is facing the candidate of the ruling centrist coalition, nationalist and former prime minister Victor Ponta, as well as the right-wing frontrunner Gheorghe Simion, in a bid to reach the May 18 runoff. The first round of the election will be held on May 4.
His campaign is betting on an anti-corruption platform that resonates with the position of the EU and NATO, especially against the backdrop of Romania's efforts to limit Russian influence in the region.
The elections are being held after the December vote was canceled due to accusations of Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. The Constitutional Court annulled the results, a decision criticized by members of the administration of US President Donald Trump. However, Dan defended the court, calling the decision correct.
Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian candidate and winner of the canceled first round, was disqualified from participating due to an investigation into support for fascist groups and questionable financing.
Amid concerns about a possible withdrawal of US troops from Europe, Dan highlighted the importance of the "Cogaliceanu" air base on the Black Sea, in which Romania has invested 2.5 billion euros. The base houses about 1,700 US military personnel and can be used as diplomatic leverage: "This is an advantage for the US in relation to its influence in the Middle East."
Dan added that Romania should continue to support the export of Ukrainian grain through the port of Constanta, but with attention to the interests of local farmers.