Memories of the Past Decade: Radu Duda Announces Candidacy for the Romanian Presidency

Radu Duda of Romania: When an Actor turned Prince runs for President

Ten years ago, Prince Radu of Romania (né Duda) announced his candidacy for the Romanian Presidency in a press conference at Elisabeta Palace in Bucharest on 9 April 2009. Radu was accompanied by his wife Princess Margarita. The couple had married in 1996.

On 23 April 2009, King Michael of Romania gave a speech in support of his son-in-law's political aspirations. Some suspected that the king did so reluctantly as he had always sought to remain above the political fray. The king delivered his address from Elisabeta Palace. In full, the speech read as follows:

I spent half a century in exile together with my family and another ten years in government imposed restrictions in our own country. For us these were the most terrible years and perhaps for the country were even worse. Our whole life was dedicated to serving the country as we always wished to see her powerful, prosperous and proud within Europe. During these more than six decades all good hopes of the Romanian people were shattered, one by one. […] The right deed comes at the right time for the country. I believe that this moment has arrived. My Family through its presence in the democratic elections for the institution of the Chief of State strives to unite and restore to a state of health contemporary Romania. We want to prove how the people should be properly served. I am fully confident that Prince Radu has the capacity to bear forward this important responsibility and high ideal. 

Romania faces difficult times. I appeal to you all in supporting this important step forward for Romania. In these moments the country needs you united and generous, cohesive and responsible. 

Let us together give Romania hope in this difficult year! 

So help us God! 

Mihai R.

Radu Duda announces his bid for the Romanian Presidency in April 2009

In September 2009, Radu quit the presidential race. He attributed this decision to a lack of broad support from the political establishment, other groups and the business community in Romania. The Royal Forums elaborated:

The Prince said he was very sad to make the decision but had ‘hopes for the future’. He maintained that the election campaign was not a fair race but merely a fight between different political clans: “Most Romanian politicians act as though the state and public institutions are personal goods. The current president began the process of privatization of the Romanian state. The next president will continue it.” 

Radu Duda announced his intention to fun for Presidency in April and registered as an independent candidate, without links to or support of any political party. At the time, Prince Radu declared that should he be successful, he would not seek to restore the Monarchy. 

Former King Michael of Romania supported both his son-in-law’s campaign and his decision to end it.

Source: Prince Radu Duda drops bid for Presidency

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