One day before the decisive vote in the PSD, Sorin Grindeanu raises his voice and states that the party should be able to decide on its own whether to leave the government, mocking the discussions in the public space about possible protests.
„Are we allowed to decide to leave the government without some going to Victory Square?” said the social-democrat leader in an interview with Antena 3.
This comes as PSD prepares for the vote that could break the governing coalition.
Attacks against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan have intensified in recent days, and PSD leaders are already talking about the "moment of truth" on Monday, when approximately 5,000 members will decide whether to withdraw political support.
The criticisms come against the backdrop of long-standing dissatisfaction with the economic policies promoted by the Government in recent months.
"It's not about the person"
Grindeanu insisted that the issue is not personal, but rather about the direction in which governance has been taken.
"This is not about the person Ilie Bolojan (...) it's about the policies, especially economic ones, that have put us in a bad situation," said the PSD leader, according to Mediafax.
At the same time, he confirmed that he had several direct discussions with the Prime Minister in recent weeks, without these leading to a change in direction.
PSD prepares for a total exit from the government
The strongest message conveyed by Grindeanu is that a potential withdrawal from the government will not be partial.
"When PSD leaves the government, it leaves with all its structures," he warned.
This would mean the withdrawal of ministers and state secretaries, as well as his resignation from the position of President of the Chamber of Deputies.
Quick consultations at Cotroceni
If PSD decides to withdraw support, the next step could come quickly from the Cotroceni Palace.
Grindeanu estimates that President Nicușor Dan could convene consultations as early as this week.
"I think that on Tuesday or Wednesday there will be consultations at Cotroceni. That's constitutional, I believe, that's correct. And then things can be clarified better," said the PSD leader.
In recent days, both Grindeanu and Bolojan had separate meetings with the head of state, amid coalition tensions.
"The crisis can be resolved quickly"
Despite escalating political pressure, the PSD leader maintains that the situation should not degenerate into a prolonged conflict.
"The political crisis can be resolved quickly if a solution is reached following the consultations," Grindeanu stated.
He referred to past conflicts between PSD and PNL and said he does not want a repeat of that scenario.
The stakes of the vote
Monday's vote in the PSD is considered crucial for the future of governance.
Party leaders expect the outcome to clearly favor withdrawing support for the Prime Minister, opening a new phase of political negotiations.
The decision of the social democrats will determine whether the current coalition can continue to function or if Romania enters a new phase of political reconfiguration.