Victor Ponta announces a new political platform alongside people from the business and academic communities

Victor Ponta confirmed on Sunday, on România TV, that he is preparing a new political platform amid dissatisfaction with the traditional parties. The former prime minister says he is in talks with people from the business and academic communities who have not previously been active in politics.

“I will certainly create a political platform,” Victor Ponta said, without announcing the name of the organization, its leadership team or the launch date for now. He believes that PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR have lost their credibility, while voters are seeking new alternatives.

Ponta argued that some of the votes won by AUR represent a protest vote against the established parties. In his view, the next two to four months will be important for turning public dissatisfaction into a political project.

Sociologist Mirel Palada estimates that a party built around Ponta could win between 5% and 7% in parliamentary elections. The estimate is not based on a dedicated poll, and the methodology, sample and research period were not presented.

Victor Ponta previously attempted to build an alternative to PSD through PRO România. The party won 6.44% in the 2019 European Parliament elections, but failed to enter Parliament in the 2020 elections, receiving 4.09% in the Chamber of Deputies and 4.13% in the Senate.