Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu signed the decision to dismiss Victor Ponta from his position as honorary advisor on Monday, government sources told HotNews.ro on Monday. The decision comes a day after Victor Ponta went to the PSD Congress where Crin Antonescu’s candidacy for the presidential elections was validated and asked, unsuccessfully, to speak from the stage. Moreover, Ponta has lashed out against Crin Antonescu, saying that he is also a person of the system and that PSD-PNL are making a mistake by nominating him to run for Presidency on behalf of the ruling coalition.
Victor Ponta confirmed, in a message on Facebook, that he was dismissed and “understood the strictly political reasons” for which the decision was made.
“I had a discussion with Prime Minister Ciolacu and I understood the strictly political reasons for which he had to make the decision. I am convinced and honored that, during the period in which I was honorary advisor for international economic relations, I supported him in all the projects beneficial to Romania. I am also convinced that our country’s economic policies must stimulate private investment and national production in our sovereign interest – that is, to put Romania first, especially in the new international context promoted by the Trump Administration. I thank him for the opportunity and collaboration! I will continue to promote Romania’s economic interests from any public and private position! “, declared Victor Ponta.
Victor Ponta has held the position of honorary advisor in Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu’s team since August 2023. The dismissal decision will be published in the Official Gazette on Monday.
Victor Ponta announced on Facebook on Sunday, while the PSD Congress was validating Crin Antonescu’s candidacy, that he would “enter the fight with all his might and all his courage, to put Romania first.”
Asked if this means he will run for president and why he avoided saying it explicitly, Victor Ponta replied: “I will announce it when I make the decision. Today I expressed a clear point of view regarding the situation in the country and the wrong decisions taken by the Coalition leaders regarding the presidential elections.”
In retort, Prime Minister and PSD chairman Marcel Ciolacu said that he does not believe in the chances of Victor Ponta’s candidacy in the presidential elections. “At this moment, I do not believe in the chances of candidate Victor Ponta. Take my word for it, today’s news is not Victor Ponta,” Marcel Ciolacu reacted.