Prince Radu Duda will join in the presidential election race this year

Politicians reacted immediately to the news. Deputy of the ruling Liberal Democrat Party (PD-L), Sever Voinescu, said this move is nothing but a desperate attempt of the coalition against president Basescu to keep the chief of state from winning another mandate. He added the prince lacks the wisdom of King Mihai. People close to royal family told NewsIn King Mihai is not in Romania at the moment.

On the other hand, former president Ion Iliescu and member of the Social Democrat Party (PSD) which forms the ruling alliance with PD-L, saluted the idea, saying it is every person’s constitutional right to run for presidency. 

A former actor with a 20-year career in the field, Prince Radu embarked on a political career in 2002 when he was appointed the special representative of Romania’s government, until last year.

In 1996 he married Princess Margareta, King Mihai’s daughter and in 1999 became a prince. Nine years later he was name Prince of Romania and Royal Highness. 

The president’s five-year mandate will end in the fall this year and elections are most likely to take place in November.