Designated Prime Minister Luca Niculescu concluded on Tuesday the series of consultations for the formation of the future government, after a final meeting with non-affiliated parliamentarians. However, political negotiations continue without the designated prime minister announcing a government formula or a parliamentary majority to support it.
He says that all three options remain possible: a political government, a mixed one, or a cabinet made up of technocrats. He already has a list of ministers prepared for the last option, but acknowledges that a decision must be made quickly.
"All the options I mentioned yesterday are still on the table. A political government, a hybrid government, political and technical, or a more technical government, a technocratic government. As for me, I am optimistic that we will achieve a good result," said Niculescu, quoted by Mediafax.
The designated Prime Minister explained that the discussions did not only focus on the division of governmental responsibilities but also addressed the program of the future Executive, at a time when Romania is going through both a political crisis and economic and social difficulties. "Romanians are interested in having a government with full powers to address their problems," he said.
The list for a technocratic government is ready
Niculescu claims that he could immediately present a team of ministers if the parties agree on the technocratic formula. "I said that for a technocratic government, I have a list that we can present even tomorrow, even today. But the discussions are still ongoing," stated the designated prime minister.
When asked if Alexandru Nazare could be part of the future Cabinet, Niculescu avoided confirming a name but reiterated his appreciation for him.
"I have expressed positive opinions about Alexandru Nazare before. I won't do it again because I have already mentioned all the qualities I believe he possesses. But, obviously, there are competent people who could be part of a technocratic government. Any name I mention now would lead to further discussions," he explained.
Why he did not negotiate with AUR
The designated Prime Minister also explained why AUR was not among the parties he negotiated with for the government formation. According to him, the party did not express willingness to support a new Executive. "I discussed with parties that showed openness to vote for such a government or to vote for a government, whether political, technical, or mixed. The party you are referring to said that it does not currently have the openness to vote for a government," stated Niculescu.
He specified that if he obtains a vote of confidence, he will have an institutional dialogue with the parties that do not support his Cabinet. "I have all the respect for the voters of the parties in Romania, and there will be time for discussion once the government is invested. I am focusing now, there is not much time left, I am focusing on forming the government," added the designated prime minister.
He will submit the list of ministers and the government program on Thursday
After three days of consultations, Niculescu has not confirmed that he has the minimum of 233 votes required for the government's investiture.
The designated Prime Minister stated that he discusses daily with the leaders of political parties and remains optimistic about the outcome of the negotiations.
Thursday, October 15, marks the 10 days since Luca Niculescu was designated to form a government. By then, he must finalize the government program and the list of ministers in order to request the vote of confidence from the Parliament.