PNL strongly reacts to the statements made by the PSD leader, Sorin Grindeanu, regarding a possible restructuring of the governing coalition. The Liberals ask the social democrat to clarify whether the PSD still supports the current governmental formula or if they are repositioning themselves in opposition. At the same time, PNL states that they will not accept „any political blackmail” and that the change of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan is „non-negotiable.”
The reaction comes after Grindeanu announced that he will extend the internal consultation within the PSD regarding staying in government, including regarding the maintenance of USR in the coalition and the support for Ilie Bolojan as prime minister.
PNL: Grindeanu's statements fuel instability
In an official statement, PNL acknowledges the statements made by Sorin Grindeanu and asserts that they "contribute to creating a sense of instability and affect Romania's credibility."
The Liberals emphasize that Romania is at a crucial moment where "an honest budget, without privileges" must be adopted to allow for economic recovery and fiscal discipline to be maintained. "We must maintain fiscal discipline and not undo the sacrifice made by Romanians to achieve a reduction in the budget deficit," PNL states.
According to the Liberals, stability and economic recovery depend on respecting the objectives assumed in the Coalition protocol and on loyal cooperation between partners.
"Decide if you are in government or in opposition"
The political message is direct: PNL asks the PSD leader to clarify the party's position.
"We cannot afford duplicitous actions, sabotage within the Coalition, or changes in political agreements halfway. For these reasons, PNL asks President Grindeanu to decide whether he is in government or in opposition," the Liberals convey.
Additionally, PNL requests that the PSD urgently decide "whether it wants to contribute to Romania's recovery or wishes to block reform actions."
Ilie Bolojan has PNL support. Premier change is "non-negotiable"
The Liberals reaffirm full support for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and categorically reject the idea of replacing him.
"Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has the support of PNL, and his replacement is non-negotiable. We want to see through the Coalition Agreement signed last year, in letter and in spirit," the statement reads.
PNL also specifies that they will continue working on the budget project and expect the PSD to clarify its position before the next discussion.
Warning regarding the Coalition Agreement
The Liberals also issue a clear warning: if the PSD wants to modify the political Agreement, PNL "reserves the right to act accordingly."
The argument invoked is a matter of principle: "an agreement not respected means a loss of trust between partners and the disappearance of any guarantee that a new agreement will be respected."
PNL's statements come after Sorin Grindeanu stated that he will extend the internal consultation initiated in December regarding staying in government. He indicated that the discussions involve both keeping USR in the coalition and supporting the current prime minister.
"The protocol can remain the same, but with a different prime minister appointed by PNL," stated the PSD leader, who added that currently, the coalition is "creaking badly."