It’s not easy to become the president of PSD. You can only succeed if you get the support of the most influential and wealthy group in the party, and Sorin Grindeanu has achieved this, even though he started from a fragile position.
But as there’s no such thing as a free lunch in life, the virtual leader of the social democrats was forced to promise something in exchange for support, to offer those who support him guarantees that they will not be investigated by prosecutors, that they will be able to continue their businesses, and that their people in public and local administration will not be fired, nor lose their privileges.
According to several political sources consulted for the writing of this article, Sorin Grindeanu said yes.
The group that controls the leader of the PSD is led by Olguța Vasilescu, Claudiu Manda (husband), and Paul Stănescu, the baron of Olt.
It's easy to notice that, at this moment, most resources are held by the one who leads the administration of Craiova, a large city controlled by Olguța Vasilescu since 2012.
Senator Paul Stănescu is one of the few party barons who have survived, having access to public resources through the control exerted over the Olt county, as well as an extensive network of employees in central and local administration.
PSD asks PNL to appoint another prime minister
"We don't want to remain silent anymore, and we don't want to resonate with blackmail: if you don't do as I do, I'll quickly leak that I'm leaving the position of prime minister. You can go wherever you want, north, south, it's your freedom, but we're not scared. There's a protocol, PNL can appoint another prime minister, we can continue the things we've committed to in the government program, but this uncollegial behavior is not something we desire," stated Claudiu Manda, a Member of the European Parliament, Olguța Vasilescu's husband, referring to the tense relationship of the party with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.
Claudiu Manda has never been a shining light in the PSD, a guiding beacon, or a mobilizing leader. He stood out in the role of a "killer," executing difficult orders without comment from those leading the party but unwilling to expose themselves in a particular situation.
Claudiu Manda rose during the period when Liviu Dragnea was the president of the PSD, being appointed by the latter to lead the Parliamentary Committee for the Control of the SRI to humiliate Hellvig and Iohannis.
Manda set a record in Romania, conducting an interrogation of over eight hours with the SRI director Eduard Hellvig, only to fall under the influence of Olguța Vasilescu after Dragnea's downfall, whom he then married in 2019.
After six years, Claudiu Manda and Eduard Hellvig end up being part of the same camp, an underground alliance between PSD and PNL, aimed at removing Ilie Bolojan from the government leadership.
Intense Opposition Within the Coalition
Sorin Grindeanu's attacks on the prime minister are not random; they are part of a strategy assumed by the PSD leader to significantly and rapidly erode the credibility of the former mayor of Oradea.
"To avoid compromising our relationship with the US and prevent us from heading towards an irreparable diplomatic disaster with our strategic partner, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan must immediately withdraw his proposal submitted to President Nicușor Dan nominating Mrs. Oana Gheorghiu as Deputy Prime Minister of the Romanian Government!", wrote Sorin Grindeanu on his Facebook page, triggering a wave of protests against him.
Oana Gheorghiu, the co-founder of the organization "Dăruiește viața," who managed to build a hospital from small donations collected from citizens, had just been appointed by Ilie Bolojan as Deputy Prime Minister.
Sorin Grindeanu launched an attack on the Prime Minister, using the fact that Oana Gheorghiu, at one point, posted critical messages about Trump and Vance on social media.
Within the coalition, a shadow alliance has formed between the PSD and a faction of the PNL working intensively to oust Bolojan from the position of prime minister.
PSD leaders must be believed when they say they do not intend to leave the current governing coalition. They have no intention of associating with AUR; the parliamentary majority would be uncertain and volatile.
It is much more convenient to maintain the current alliance of four parties with 60% support in Parliament, which can pose as pro-European but can halt reforms, preserve their well-paid public positions, and privileges.
The Old Liberal Guard Awaits a Sign
Similarly, within the PNL, the old guard composed of Lucian Bode, Iulian Dumitrescu, Rareș Bogdan, and others has not gone anywhere; they have just taken a step back, waiting for an opportune moment.
Thus, Hubert Thuma (PNL), the President of the Ilfov County Council and a close associate of Eduard Hellvig, is negotiating with Olguța Vasilescu, according to political sources, an approach between PNL and PSD, without Bolojan.
"It's time for a new vision. For reform, for performance. The National Liberal Party is a party with tradition, with committed, prepared leaders. We learn from mistakes, bring competent people into the team, and move forward," wrote Hubert Thuma on his Facebook page in November 2024, welcoming the fact that Eduard Hellvig has signed a membership application to the PNL, marking his official return to the party as the former SRI director.
Therefore, it is expected that Sorin Grindeanu will not stop his attacks on Ilie Bolojan but, on the contrary, will intensify them in the coming days and weeks, shaping a favorable context to obtain his resignation.
Traian Băsescu on Steroids
The formation of the secret alliance will represent a significant test for President Nicușor Dan as well. He also does not have a good relationship with Prime Minister Bolojan, but his departure from the Victoria Palace will turn him into a prisoner of the Hellvig-Olguța axis, constantly threatened with suspension.
The entire political shadow construction has two major problems that those involved in the machinations either do not perceive or do not give great importance to.
The first is the lack of support from European partners. The Commission and rating agencies have given frequent and clear signals that a cessation of reforms and political instability will lead Romania to a rapid bankruptcy, with insolvency.
The second problem is Ilie Bolojan himself. His departure from the helm of the Romanian Government turns him into the country's main reformist leader, one who can rally a popular movement to change the entire political architecture of Romania.
According to recent opinion polls, over 50% of voters want a new party.
Bolojan, freed from the constraints imposed by public office, will become a threat to both Nicușor Dan and the current coalition. He can quickly turn into a Traian Băsescu on steroids.
At this moment, the sides are drawn, and each of them is moving pieces on the chessboard, challenging their opponent to make a mistake, the fatal mistake.