All the hysteria in the PNL directed at Marcel Ciolacu, issued, to be fair, by some party fringe figures, such as Cosma and Sighiartău, instead of harming him, actually helps the PSD candidate.
Mr. Ciolacu profiled his candidacy at the congress relying on the image of a calm, pacifist man, without aggressive touches, willing to endure for higher interests.
And the liberals give him the opportunity to practice this profile which, indeed, represents his main advantage in the presidential competition - the completely non-conflictual profile that does not trigger the opposing electorate.
Moreover, the liberals are in a ridiculous position attacking the governing partner just before the elections, the one that handed them the victory on June 9.
If PNL had run alone in the European elections, without the chance of merging, thus maximizing the mobilization of mayors, their score would have been dramatic, and the internal blow against Nicolae Ciucă was prepared. PSD had nothing to gain from either the joint list or the merger.
Back then, the PNL leaders didn't say a word. Just as they didn't say anything back when PSD supported Iohannis' candidacy through various officials. They discovered how bad PSD was when they found themselves in a difficult situation.
It's embarrassing to accuse PSD of single-handedly destroying the country's finances when you, PNL, have the Minister of Finance.
No one seriously considers leaving the government. Whoever leaves loses, it's been known since 2009. We're not leaving, we'll kick them out, says Mr. Sighiartău wisely.
There is only one way to remove the current Prime Minister - a vote of no confidence. Would PNL be willing to vote alongside AUR to blow up exactly what has been the main argument for stability for almost three years - stability?
And for what? For some life-and-death matter? No, for some words and for a commissioner who is of no real interest to the electorate.
For Marcel Ciolacu, it wouldn't even be a disaster to avoid the risk of some unexpected issue arising before the elections. But what would PNL do? A provisional government with the rest, says Mr. Sighiartău wisely.
With USR, REPER, Orban, independents, and UDMR, whom PNL has been rotating ministries with? A laser plan.
After letting the hot-headed boys play in the yard and give tasks to the TVs, Nicolae Ciucă closed the subject: "no matter what happens within the coalition, our duty is to continue governing." For a long time indeed.
Grandstanding for stability
In fact, things are already clear. The two parties want to govern together even after the elections, as there are no other options, because AUR is an excluded option for anyone wishing to maintain their external image at a floating level.
For this, it is vital that Mr. Ciolacu and Mr. Ciucă compete in the second round, which will bring them the first-round winners' bonus in the inter-round parliamentary elections, thus an additional inheritance of votes.
And then, one will take the presidency, the other the leadership of the government. Mr. Ciolacu has already announced at the congress that no party can hold all the power.
If Mr. Ciucă doesn't make it to the final, it's bad for PSD. Not only because Mr. Geoană or Ms. Lasconi are much more challenging candidates for Marcel Ciolacu, but also because a major struggle will begin in PNL, postponed since June. It's already quite clear who is waiting with a drawn knife to take over the party.
And a joint PSD-PNL government will be much more difficult to achieve and maintain.
How can PSD push Mr. Ciucă into the presidential final? This becomes the most burning question of the electoral year, beyond the stage play to mobilize the electorate.