Iohannis: I will compete for a new term of office

President Klaus Iohannis reiterated on Friday he will run for a new term in the presidential elections and announced his objectives for this year. 

"We begin the year 2019, a year with a lot of challenges, and we start practically directly with the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Next week, we will have the European Commission visit to begin this Presidency with force. I am convinced that we will do it well. As early as May, we will have the first elections - the European Parliamentary elections, and now I want to say that it is very important to participate in these elections. The more voters are present at these elections, the more clearly the result will be. At year's end, we will have presidential elections and I reiterate what I said, I will compete for a new term of office," the president said at the Cotroceni Palace. 

"Throughout 2019, the great objectives I have, which are the objectives of Romania, are deeper and better European integration, strengthening our position within NATO and perhaps even succeeding in this year to have a strengthening of NATO presence on the eastern flank, which would certainly be very good for us. And one of the great, very important goals for me and in 2019 is the consolidation of the rule of law in Romania, which means, obviously, the continuation of the fight against corruption. Personally, my goal for the presidential elections is to win a second term as president of Romania," said Iohannis. 

The head of state said he was optimistic about his candidacy for a new mandate, saying he was not afraid of any opponent. 

"Yes, I am very optimistic. I do not fear any other opponent. I am never afraid of opponents. Elections are elections. Who wants to get a mandate must present as a candidate. I will present myself and I am optimistic," said Iohannis. 

Asked about a presidential race against PSD chairman Liviu Dragnea, the head of state replied: "I think any electoral race has a route we know, with an electoral campaign, but in the end it is important what voters want and at the end 2019 we will know what president Romanians wanted." 

He also said he is backed by the PNL in the presidential race and that the discussion for a higher support will be held. 

"This is certainly a discussion that can be held, but the support of Romanians is important," Iohannis stressed.