Romanian ruling coalition launches candidates for parliamentary elections during huge stadium event

Romania's ruling coalition the Social Liberal Union USL will launch its candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections, in an event scheduled for today (October 17 ) in the National Arena stadium in Bucharest. The USL launches its candidates for the presidential elections due on December 9, and expects around 80,000 people from across Romania to join them in the Bucharest stadium.

UPDATE: USL gathered 70,000 people on the National Arena on Wednesday evening (October 17), filling the main stadium in Bucharest.

USL's launch happens at the same time as another event that has brought European politicians to Bucharest, where the European People's Party is holding its summit today and tomorrow (October 17,18). Opposition party the Democrat Liberal Party (PDL) is part of the EEP congress in Bucharest, and pundits say USL's launch is trying to counterbalance the media exposure PDL will get during these two days. Over 400 USL candidates will run for seats in the Romanian Parliament, representing communities across the country. European social and liberal leaders are also expected to take part in the event, along with Prime Minister Victor Ponta, the president of the Social Democratic Party PSD and Crin Antonescu, the leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL). The event organized by USL is aiming to be the largest so far at the National Arena, threatening to overcrowd Bucharest with delegates from regional Romanian cities. editor@romania-insider.com (photo source: USL Facebook account)