President Nicușor Dan says that Siegfried Mureșan must try to gather a majority and form a government, despite doubts expressed by UDMR leaders and PSD’s refusal to support him. The head of state avoids recommending the designated prime minister to resign before the Parliament vote.
The statements were made in New York after the president’s meeting with representatives of the Romanian community, according to the Presidential Administration.
"I have appointed a prime minister, and as I said at that moment, I want him to convince a majority and form a government that will pass. Of course, a government that will maintain a pro-Western direction and uphold the obligations that Romania has taken, including regarding the fiscal trajectory," stated Nicușor Dan.
The president specified that he will not comment on the negotiations during the ten-day period in which Siegfried Mureșan must present the government program and list to Parliament. "I want them to reach a solution that will pass the Parliament's vote," insisted the head of state.
The statement comes after PSD and AUR announced that they will not vote for the Mureșan Government, and Kelemen Hunor said that the designated prime minister should not go to Parliament if he fails to gather a majority. The UDMR leader indicated that the parties that could support the current formula are far from the 233 votes required for the government's investiture. UDMR is set to decide on Tuesday whether to support Siegfried Mureșan.
Nicușor Dan denies appointing out of revenge
The president also rejected claims by some liberals that he appointed Mureșan out of revenge, knowing that he would not be able to obtain the necessary votes. "I responded affirmatively to a proposal. When you respond affirmatively, it cannot be revenge," said Nicușor Dan.
He explained that on the day of the appointment, he had discussions with PNL, USR, and UDMR leaders, who presented him with a joint proposal: "They told me they had a proposal. And I signed that proposal."
What happens if the Government does not pass
When asked what will happen if Siegfried Mureșan does not obtain the Parliament's vote, Nicușor Dan said he will resume discussions with all parties and analyze all options. "I hope he succeeds. I said from the beginning that it is difficult. And if he happens not to succeed, then we will have all the discussions again, considering all scenarios," stated the president.
He pointed out that the options are not limited to a PSD-AUR government or snap elections and listed, among the possibilities, a technocratic government or rotation formulas in leading the Executive.
Nicușor Dan avoided criticizing the future government program or mentioning what mistakes of the former Executive should not be repeated. "Let's see the government program, but I am sure it will be adapted to the realities," concluded the president.