Former Social Democrat leader Victor Ponta ready to run for president
<p>Former prime minister Victor Ponta, still a member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and an adviser to PM Marcel Ciolacu despite his pro-sovereignist statements, confirmed that he does not rule out entering this year's presidential race.</p>

<p>He said, "I have no one to vote for," and indicated that the current ruling coalition has no chance of taking its candidate to the second round, <a href="https://hotnews.ro/victor-ponta-nu-exclude-o-candidatura-la-prezidentiale-in-ciuda-avertismentului-dat-de-ciolacu-coalitia-foarte-greu-o-sa-intre-cu-un-candidat-in-turul-al-doilea-1883638" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hotnews.ro</a> reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling coalition set former Liberal leader Crin Antonescu as the joint presidential candidate, but further polls are indeed for final confirmation.</p>

<p>Ponta claimed that his exclusion from the party would confirm Social Democrats' subordination to the Liberals.</p>

<p>On Thursday, before the government meeting, prime minister Marcel Ciolacu declared that "Victor Ponta cannot be the PSD candidate for the May 4 elections, given the coalition agreement to support a single candidate, namely Crin Antonescu."</p>

<p>&nbsp;"In other words, if he runs, he must resign from the PSD or be expelled," the PSD leader declared.</p>

<p><em>iulian@romania-insider.com</em></p>

<p><em>(Photo source:&nbsp;</em><meta charset="UTF-8" /><em>Inquam Photos /&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquamphotos.com/users/sabincirstoveanu">Sabin&nbsp;Cirstoveanu</a>)</em></p>