Political crisis deepens: PSD resigns from the government

The political crisis triggered by the presidential and parliamentary elections was accentuated yesterday after PSD President Marcel Ciolacu announced that his political party was withdrawing from the negotiating table for forming a new government.

Marcel Ciolacu justified his party's decision by the impossibility of collaborating with partners in the coalition of pro-European parties, whom he described as insincere and arrogant. In a Facebook post, the PSD leader stated: "You cannot establish something concrete with people who sometimes talk internally and sometimes talk to the press. [...] This way of working is totally counterproductive in front of the people. Therefore, PSD is withdrawing with dignity from the negotiating table, but we do not run away from responsibility. We will vote in Parliament for a right-wing government"

Marcel Ciolacu also highlighted the seriousness of the moment: "Romania must not be blown up by puerile attitudes and foolish pride."

He added that the PSD understood the message of the popular vote, interpreting it as a "vote of blame for a political class more concerned with sterile quarrels and revenge than with the lives of Romanians". In an appeal to political leaders, the prime minister pleaded for the rapid formation of a stable government, emphasizing that procrastination and pride only aggravate the current crisis.

The PSD president's decision comes after two days ago the country's rating agency, Fitch, changed the stable rating of BBB- to a negative rating, in light of the political instability in our country, which worsened after the elections of November 24 and December 1 and after the CCR's decision to cancel the presidential elections. Therefore, Marcel Ciolacu's decision generated diverse and strong reactions from political leaders, each outlining their own vision of the future of governance and political responsibilities. This situation highlights the major challenges facing the Romanian political class in a difficult economic and geopolitical context.

While in Brussels, at the European Council meeting, President Klaus Iohannis stressed the seriousness of the domestic political situation and called on political leaders to assume statesmanlike roles:

"Romania is in a very complicated situation. We have a war on the border, we have hybrid attacks against Romania, [...] and the last thing Romania needs is an extended governmental and parliamentary crisis. Something like this must be avoided at all costs."

Iohannis ruled out the idea of a minority government and warned that the current interim government has limited powers, stressing that only a new executive can create a budget for next year and organize presidential elections: "It is important to put aside all the small quarrels [...] to focus on what is important - Romania is important, Romanian citizens are important".

In fact, President Klaus Iohannis stated that upon his return to the country, immediately after the constitution of the new Parliament today, he will convene the parties that are part of the Legislature for consultations at the Cotroceni Palace to nominate the prime minister who will be in charge of shaping the future Government.

• PNL, ready to assume governance

The National Liberal Party (PNL), through the voice of interim leader Ilie Bolojan, reaffirmed its willingness to contribute to the formation of a government:

"The National Liberal Party continues to want to contribute to finding a solution. Romania urgently needs a new government, which will create a new budget with maximum responsibility, take measures to grow the economy". Furthermore, Bolojan hinted that it is not excluded that the PNL will assume the government, given the critical situation at this time on a national and international level.

In contrast, USR representatives, such as Cristina Prună and Cristian Ghinea, harshly criticized the PSD decision, interpreting it as an "escape from responsibility". Prună pointed out: "Romania still needs reforms. [...] PSD and Marcel Ciolacu are escaping from the responsibility of governing."

Cristian Ghinea, known for his sharp comments, emphasized that the PSD leaves behind "a 9% budget deficit and a pile of unpaid bills".

UDMR President Kelemen Hunor is the only politician in the pro-European coalition who has called for a return to the negotiating table, emphasizing that the current disputes are not helping citizens. "I ask all my colleagues [...] to take a basin of cold water and put each of their feet in the water. Everyone calms down and tomorrow we can all return to the table," declared Kelemen Hunor, who insisted on the importance of a negotiated solution, emphasizing that the stakes are not a party, but the common good of citizens.

The UDMR leader also said that his political party can support a minority government in Parliament, but cannot be part of such a government, because it would mean political suicide.

• Sovereignist parties outline their positions

Diana Şoşoacă (SOS Romania) and George Simion (AUR) expressed their willingness to take over the government, following the announcement made by the PSD leader. Şoşoacă reiterated the idea of a "sovereignist government", while Simion assured that AUR will respect Euro-Atlantic commitments.

The Young People's Party (POT), through its leader Anamaria Gavrilă, conditioned its entry into government on the resumption of the second round of the presidential elections on December 29, 2024, a resumption that is impossible in light of the CCR's decision of December 6.

For his part, Nicuşor Dan, the general mayor of the capital, who announced the other day his intention to run for the presidential elections, stated that the PSD leader's decision is not a good one. Nicuşor Dan stated in a program broadcast by Hotnews: "I don't think it would be beneficial. We currently have a Parliament in which pro-Western parties, those who do not question our membership in the EU and NATO, have 64-65% and we need to have a majority of at least 50% of them so that we have a stable government, because stability correlates with our economic stability, investor confidence, and stock market confidence. And then, it is impossible that... the PSD has somewhere around 24-25% after redistribution, it is impossible to leave a government that is... Theoretically I think it is possible, but you cannot leave a government that is supported in Parliament by 40% of the parliamentarians".

The General Mayor of the Capital stated: "It is possible that there could also be a message of negotiation. I do not think it is good. I think there must be a government that is supported by the majority in Parliament".

Regarding the possible consequences of the PSD leader's decision, Nicuşor Dan stated: "If this intention, which surprises me, is confirmed, then we will have to have a government of the three right-wing parties, with the parliamentary support of the PSD to pass the government and then pass various laws. (...) Let's see what happens in the coming days, because I believe there is still room for discussion".

The PSD's withdrawal from the negotiating table raises serious questions about the capacity of the political class to manage the multiple challenges facing Romania. In addition to the significant budget deficit and the warning signal issued by the Fitch rating agency, the organization of presidential elections and political stability are imperatives that cannot be ignored. The calls for dialogue and collaboration coming from the political leaders of the pro-European coalition parties reflect the seriousness of the moment, but it remains to be seen whether these will be enough to overcome the current impasse. The decisions that will be taken in the coming days will influence not only the political direction of the country, but also the public's perception of the responsibility and competence of political leaders.