PSD President, Sorin Grindeanu, announced on Thursday, after meeting with designated Prime Minister Luca Niculescu, that the Social Democrats are willing to participate in forming a new government, but only if two conditions are met: a change in economic direction and the establishment of a parliamentary majority agreed upon by all parties involved. Otherwise, PSD is prepared to refuse participation in the government.
Grindeanu made a direct appeal to PNL and UDMR to contribute to the formation of a transparent majority and stressed that PSD is not interested in dividing roles.
"From the start, I told the designated Prime Minister that we want an agreed majority and that we are not interested in positions. That's why I appeal especially to PNL and UDMR to show political maturity, to contribute to building a transparent majority if PSD's participation in the government is desired, or in this joint effort," stated the Social Democratic leader.
He warned that PSD's support is not guaranteed. "If we do not find ourselves in this project for the economy and if there is no clear commitment from the other parties, the Social Democratic Party will not hesitate to say no to this political endeavor," emphasized Grindeanu.
PSD calls for a change in economic direction
The Social Democratic leader explained that the discussions with the designated Prime Minister had two components, one economic and one political. The first condition of PSD is the modification of economic policies, so that budget adjustment measures no longer primarily affect the Romanian population and businesses.
"We want a major macroeconomic reconfiguration that will put an end to the aggressive impoverishment of Romanians. Romania's economic uncertainties must stop here," declared Grindeanu.
He specified that specialists from PSD who worked on the party's economic program also participated in the meeting.
According to the Social Democratic leader, Niculescu assured that some of PSD's proposals will be included in the future governance program. "Mr. Niculescu, the designated Prime Minister, assured us that essential ideas from the PSD program will be reflected in his governance program," said Grindeanu.
PSD is now awaiting the final form of the program to see what measures will be proposed for the population and the economy. Grindeanu stated that the party's specialists are available to continue discussions with the designated Prime Minister's team in the coming days.
Grindeanu argues that PSD should have received the mandate for Prime Minister
The PSD President also stated that, in his opinion, the party should have been designated to form a parliamentary majority and a new government. "Normally, PSD should have received the mandate to form a majority that would invest in a government," stated Grindeanu.
He argued that the Social Democrats could have built a majority around the idea of change, citing that, according to his statements, 80% of Romanians are calling for a change.
What Luca Niculescu says after meeting with PSD
On his part, designated Prime Minister Luca Niculescu described the discussions with the Social Democrats as constructive and stated that he found openness to identify solutions that would allow the formation of a new government.
Niculescu confirmed that Sorin Grindeanu presented him with an initial proposal regarding the future Executive, without providing details. He mentioned that various forms of governance are being considered, including a political cabinet, a technocratic one, or a mixed variant.
The designated Prime Minister also presented the urgent economic priorities he considers: budget adjustment, finalization of the 2027 budget by the end of the year, and compliance with Romania's fiscal commitments.
Niculescu warned that without a budget adjustment, the state risks facing payment issues towards the end of the year.