PSD President Sorin Grindeanu claims there are „very high chances” for the motion of censure against the government led by Ilie Bolojan to pass, considering that over 250 signatures have been gathered.
At the same time, the social-democratic leader commented on the current political situation, drawing a parallel with the period when Liviu Dragnea led the PSD and stating that governance solutions can be found even after the parliamentary vote.
The motion has chances, "if there are no signature withdrawals"
The social-democratic leader is optimistic about the vote scheduled for May 5, relying on the large number of signatures.
"When you see this number of signatures, very high chances, if there are no signature withdrawals. Today, as we speak, there is no emotion from this point of view," Grindeanu stated.
The motion has been signed by over 250 parliamentarians, and PSD hopes the vote will quickly lead to consultations at the Cotroceni Palace and the formation of a new government.
Bolojan compared to Dragnea
Grindeanu drew a direct parallel between the current prime minister and the former PSD leader, citing a high level of public distrust.
"We are talking about a person, just like Liviu Dragnea, who has an 85% negative trust rating, and Romanians say - with a percentage of over 80% - that he is leading Romania in the wrong direction, and yes, if he fits with someone, Ilie Bolojan fit with Liviu Dragnea from back then," stated the PSD leader on Antena 3.
He also criticized the governing style of the prime minister, stating that it breaks any political dialogue bridges.
Message before the motion vote
The PSD President stated that changing the prime minister would not block the functioning of the state.
"Romania can be governed even without him. Highways can be built even without Ilie Bolojan as prime minister," he affirmed.
Grindeanu argues that the prime minister's strategy "shows a kind of irresponsibility" and insists that there are political alternatives after the potential fall of the government. "There is life after Tuesday, and for us, it must be a better life," added Sorin Grindeanu.
What he said when asked if AUR is an extremist party
When directly asked if AUR is an extremist or "approachable" party, Grindeanu refused to give a definitive answer.
"It's not my job to make characterizations regarding one party or another," he repeatedly stated.
At the same time, the PSD leader insisted that there is no political understanding with AUR for the period after the motion: "The Social Democratic Party will not form a governing majority with AUR."
He explained that the decision for a joint motion was technical to avoid the "mutual annihilation" of two separate initiatives.
Will Grindeanu resign?
When asked about his own political future, the PSD leader did not rule out stepping down from the party leadership.
"If the motion fails, we will analyze, all options are on the table (...) Does Ilie Bolojan call me not to resign?! I will resign (from the PSD leadership - ed.) if that unblocks the situation," stated Grindeanu.
However, he nuanced, suggesting that such a decision would also depend on the prime minister's situation: "Right after Ilie Bolojan resigns."
Criticism towards the "Bolojan model": austerity "has not achieved its goal"
Grindeanu criticized the current Executive for the lack of trust generated in the economy. "At this moment, people are scared and do not consume, and as proof, in the last seven months, consumption has decreased month by month. You need to give confidence to investors and all those trying to restart the economy. You don't give confidence if you don't give hope. And at this moment, this government no longer gives hope," said the PSD leader.
Grindeanu also attacked the economic policies of the government, stating that the strategy based on expense reductions did not yield the promised results. "It is clear that the model, in the end, proposed by Ilie Bolojan, the one related to austerity, the one related to cuts, ultimately did not achieve its goal," said the PSD leader.
He argued that the reduction of the deficit was mainly achieved through a decrease in investments, not through a real efficiency in spending.
"Expenses increased by 1.2 billion, and investments decreased by 6.5. Obviously, in this scenario, we are talking about a deficit reduction," stated Grindeanu.
Comparison to Nastratin Hogea: "in the end, the donkey died"
To illustrate the effects of these measures, the PSD leader used a vivid comparison: "We are like in that story with Nastratin Hogea and the donkey. Nastratin Hogea taught the donkey not to eat and was very happy, but in the end, the donkey died," Grindeanu stated.
"Now, you tell me, who is Nastratin and who is the donkey, unfortunately, in our case," he added.
Grindeanu does not exclude the position of prime minister: "I have no hesitation"
When asked about the scenario in which he could be proposed as prime minister, the PSD leader said he would not refuse this responsibility.
"If my colleagues want this, I have no hesitation," stated Grindeanu.
However, he reiterated that the party is open "to all options" and that the priority is to quickly find a political solution after the motion vote.