PSD Adopts AUR's Message as Party Draws 40% in Polls, Journalist Ion M. Ioniță Says

Romania's Social Democratic Party is edging toward the nationalist message of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians because George Simion's party is registering strong numbers in opinion polls, journalist Ion M. Ioniță said on Adevărul's interview programme.

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There is a bucket of honey: the electorate, at 40% in the polls. When you see that it gets 40% with this message, you do not think about what you want. You say: 'It gets 40% with this. Why shouldn't I also take up the flag and fight with the brick that I am a nationalist?'

Ioniță described the polling as an irresistible temptation for PSD. "There is a bucket of honey: the electorate, at 40% in the polls. When you see that it gets 40% with this message, you do not think about what you want. You say: 'It gets 40% with this. Why shouldn't I also take up the flag and fight with the brick that I am a nationalist?'"

Asked whether PSD could later clash with Alexandru Nazare if he were appointed prime minister, Ioniță said the party would no longer be able to avoid responsibility for government decisions if it took power. He said this could give voters a choice between a nationalist-sovereigntist opposition and a democratic, pro-European one.

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It would be the best formula for Romania, because people would be able to choose both in terms of government and opposition. You would have one nationalist-sovereigntist opposition and one democratic, pro-European opposition.

He also warned about the economic consequences of an AUR election victory. "Romania depends on money from Europe. We pay pensions and salaries because money comes from Europe and because we are trusted as a member of the European Union."

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Romania depends on money from Europe. We pay pensions and salaries because money comes from Europe and because we are trusted as a member of the European Union.