Prince Radu of Romania announced Thursday that he will seek the office of the presidency this coming November. The Prince, who is son-in-law to Romania’s last king, held the position of special representative of the country’s government until last year. 
Prince Radu explained during a speech from a Bucharest palace, that since Romania overthrew its Communist dictatorship in 1989, nothing has worked, because, “the system has always depended, too, the behavior and actions of individuals, often incompetent.”
“Answers not come from one man, the solution to stand in a hand that leads us.”
Radu said it is the Romanian people who would make the changes needed to happen.
“The hope lies in young people today who were not born in December 1989, in the elderly who have started a life…in Europe and in America and…over the world.”
“Destiny of a people and nation can not be much choice and alternate in power, but the potential release of each of us to do something for the country. I think we can do this together. As my wife and our family live in the values that I think. We believe in a different Romania. And we are sure that together, we all have a future!”
Prince Radu said all this from a Bucharest palace with his wife, Princess Margaret, the daughter of King Mihai, beside him.
Romanian 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 say 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.
If Radu wins the presidency, he would be the latest member of a deposed monarchy to take part in the home country’s politics. In 2001, the former King of Bulgaria, Simeon II, became prime minister when his party won in the parliamentary elections. In addition, Italy’s Prince Emanuele Filiberto has hinted he may get involved in Italian politics.
Radu was born in 1960, as Radu Duda. A former actor, he married Princess Margaret in the 1990′s.
In 1947, King Mihai was forced by Communists to abdicate the Romanian throne and leave the country. He has returned to his country numerous times, often drawing large crowds.
But recent polls show less than 20% of Romanians are interested in restoring the monarchy.
Akihito was 25 years-old when he wed the 24 year-old Michiko Shoda, the daughter of a wealthy businessman.
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