Romania’s rich voted for EP lawmakers

Of the wealthiest Romanians, only Ion Tiriac (owner of Tiriac Holdings, with businesses in several areas, including auto and real estate), and Dinu Patriciu (former owner and current Manager of the Rompetrol oil company) missed yesterday's vote. Patriciu said he was out of the country and thus unable to cast his vote. "Euro-lawmakers will have to make efforts to support the development of Romania's economy. They are compelled to do this by virtue of their position," he told Business Standard.

The owner of the Steaua Soccer Club, George Becali, and media mogul Dan Voiculescu said they voted in both the EP elections and the referendum. Both businessmen are involved in politics. Voiculescu is the founder of the Conservative Party, currently part of the opposition, while Becali is leader of the New Generation party, and a candidate for an EP seat. In fact, he is one of the few businesspeople running for the European Parliament.

Other businesspeople ranked among the wealthiest Romanians who voted yesterday are Ioan Niculae, owner of the Interagro group, with operations in agriculture, George Copos, former politician and current owner of two hotel companies, Viorel Micula, owner of one of the major soft drink producers, the European Drinks group, former soccer referee and current owner of several companies with operations in agriculture, Adrian Porumboiu, and Dan Sucu, owner of furniture company Mobexpert.