Romanian premier to run for president

Bloomberg

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila plans to run for president in a move that may cause friction within the ruling coalition as her main ally is also considering his candidacy.
The ruling Social Democrats leaders pressed Dancila to join the presidential race as no other candidates were seen standing a chance against incumbent Klaus Iohannis, who’s seeking re-election with the support of the opposition Liberal Party in the November 10 ballot.
A final decision on Dancila’s nomination will be taken during a wider party congress on August 3.
“We’re determined to win these elections,” Dancila told reporters on Tuesday.
“I don’t think our partners will leave the governing coalition because they are responsible people who realise that the country’s stability is very important.”
According to opinion polls, Dancila wouldn’t advance to a second round with Iohannis.
The late entry of a candidate from the country’s largest party is the result of infighting, a shock defeat in European Parliament elections in May and the jailing of its former leader Liviu Dragnea.