Coalition Talks Begin in Romania Following Cancelled Election
Negotiations to form Romania’s next government commenced Tuesday, amidst escalating political tensions following the Constitutional Court’s unprecedented annulment of the presidential elections last week.
Challenges in Forming a Pro-European Government
Representatives from the Social Democrats (PSD), the Liberals (PNL), the center-right USR alliance, and the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) met for preliminary talks, aiming to establish a pro-European and pro-NATO government.
However, early indications suggest a choppy path ahead. The PSD is opposing the USR’s inclusion in the government, advocating for at least one pro-European party to remain in opposition. They argue this is necessary to prevent the parliamentary opposition from being dominated solely by sovereignist parties.
Crucial Deadlines Looming
The formation of a new government is considered paramount, as the 2025 budget needs finalization, and the timetable for the now-delayed presidential elections must be re-established. A December 21st deadline looms, coinciding with the debut of the new parliament.
This timeline would enable President Klaus Iohannis to initiate consultations before Christmas.
Under Romanian constitutional guidelines, the president must engage in consultations with all parliamentary parties before nominating a prime ministerial candidate capable of forming a coalition script
with a parliamentary majority.
Political Parties Vie for Power
The PSD, citing its victory in the 1 December general election, is vying for the prime minister’s role while the Liberals are seeking to retain control of the Senate presidency.
PSD spokesman Lucian Romașcanu expressed the need for a pro-European party to remain in opposition, stating, “A pro-European party will likely need to remain in opposition to ensure the entire opposition is not dominated by those who call themselves sovereignists. ”
Romașcanu added that many within the PSD believe the USR should fulfill this role.
Most PSD leadership members support Marcel Ciolacu, who assumed party leadership following his loss in the first round of the presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the USR favors PNL leader Ilie Bolojan as prime minister, though Bolojan acknowledged the PSD’s claim to the position on Monday night.
Should the USR opt for opposition, the party could secure leadership positions within vital parliamentary committees and secure support for key legislative initiatives.
Controversy Surrounds Pro-Russian Candidate
On Tuesday, authorities in Romania placed Horațiu Potra under judicial supervision. He is alleged to be responsible for security details of Calin Georgescu, the pro-Russian presidential candidate whose candidacy ECU contributed to the nullification of the recent election.
Initially, Georgescu denied any knowledge of Potra. Nevertheless, photographs of them together surfaced, leading to Georgescu admitting to an acquaintance made many years prior. Just days before the second round, new evidence revealed the pair met on 7 December at a farm outside Bucharest.
Spotted at the meeting was Eugen Sechila, known for his connection to Georgescu and his leadership of a neo-legionary group.
