PNL President Nicolae Ciucă announced on monday evening that he is breaking the coalition with PSD, stating that the party’s representatives remain in the Government „only to prevent the complete escalation of abuses.”
„I do not comment on the decision of the Constitutional Court, but the consequences of the latest ruling raise a big question mark regarding democracy in Romania. For the first time in Romania’s history, a majority of 5 judges, of which 4 were appointed by PSD, decided that someone cannot run for office. In practice, a political adversary was eliminated on the spot,” Ciucă stated.
He mentioned that this fact concerns all those who want Romania to remain a democratic state.
"I am not concerned whether PSD is happy about eliminating a political competitor, but that they could do unimaginable things, because abuse of power and party-state behavior are in PSD's DNA. Today they eliminate one candidate, tomorrow another, the day after they close down media institutions, and in the end, they politically subordinate the entire Romanian state. I will make sure this does not happen, and Romania will not fall entirely into the hands of PSD," Ciucă added.
He emphasized that it is "a matter of honor and faith" towards the country.
"Our coalition government with PSD stops here. We remain in the Executive only to prevent the complete escalation of abuses they could carry out to win the elections. Of course, PSD would like to govern alone in the upcoming period: to reintroduce the progressive tax rate, to subordinate the justice system and state institutions, to direct budget financial resources towards populist actions and party clientele. This will not happen. It would be completely irresponsible on our part to leave the battlefield and let them advance in the direction they have taken," Nicolae Ciucă added.
PNL President also spoke about the efforts to legally sanction all extremist, chauvinistic, and anti-Semitic parties.
"On the other hand, we appreciate the efforts to legally sanction all extremist, chauvinistic, and anti-Semitic parties. This is the right path to counteract the influence of these dangerous currents. However, we believe in limiting the influence of extremism by convincing Romanians to vote for democratic options.
The solid reaction of the population regarding the Constitutional Court's decision is in favor of democracy, not an extremist person. Dear Romanians, all of Romania wants to live in a prosperous and free country, not in a state held captive by PSD or any other party. The direction of consolidated democracies as well as the status of being a NATO, EU member, and part of the transatlantic partnership represent the only way for Romania.
Because this means freedom, democracy, guaranteeing citizens' rights, and prosperity! There are less than two months left until the presidential and parliamentary elections. We can stop them then, otherwise it will be too late," Nicolae Ciucă stated in a video message broadcasted on Monday.
Diana Șoșoacă's (SOS) candidacy for the presidential elections has been rejected, according to a decision made by the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) on Saturday.
The Court, with a majority of votes, accepted the appeals filed against Diana Șoșoacă's presidential candidacy and annulled the BEC decision regarding the registration of the candidacy.
Two appeals were submitted against Diana Șoșoacă, one signed by Amalia Bellantoni and one by Gheorghe Mihai Ursa.
The decision is final and cannot be appealed.