Tensions within the pro-European coalition: USR, dissatisfied with the figures presented by PSD and PNL

The first serious tensions between the parties in the pro-European coalition (PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR) emerged yesterday during the negotiations for the state budget for 2025, which took place at Victoria Palace. The Minister of Finance, Marcel Boloş, presented the preliminary figures, but they did not please the USR representatives, who accused the lack of transparency and tax increases, while the PSD and PNL tried to temper the dissatisfaction, without proposing clear solutions.

The USR representatives, Cristian Ghinea and Claudiu Năsui, had harsh reactions after the meeting in which Marcel Boloş presented the budget projections. "We waited for this moment of truth, but it was completely missed. We were presented with figures that we cannot trust, and the scenarios include absurd tax increases. It is unacceptable to start a government with lies," said Cristian Ghinea.

Claudiu Năsui argued that the figures presented are "made up" and that the tax increases will have negative effects on the economy. "We must say stop to these tax increases. Instead of solving the budgetary problems through real reforms, we only see simulations that show us how serious the situation is, without sustainable solutions," said Mr. Năsui.

On the other hand, PSD leaders criticized the USR position, considering that their lack of cooperation is blocking the progress of the negotiations. Daniel Suciu, the president of the Chamber of Deputies, said: "I find it extremely counterproductive to sit at the table, put all your pride aside and move a few steps forward, and then say that you no longer agree with anything. This country needs a budget, and we must work on the basis of the draft presented."

While the budget discussions are stagnating, no consensus has been reached on the government program either, as USR representatives have stated that the party's priorities, such as administrative reorganization and the merger of administrative-territorial units, are being treated superficially. Ghinea stressed that "it's no use agreeing to a text that sounds good if there is no political will for implementation." In the context of these divergences, time becomes a critical factor. On December 20, the new Parliament will meet, according to the convocation decided by President Klaus Iohannis, and in the immediate following days, the hearings of the new ministers and the vote of investiture of the new Government will be scheduled. Sources within the PSD and PNL have stated that they want the new Government to be sworn in before Christmas. Regarding this aspect, the social-democrat Daniel Suciu stated: "We have a few days off and it is very complicated to form during that period, but any option is possible, even starting with December 23, and if not, immediately after Christmas".

However, the divergences within the pro-European coalition and the lack of coherence in budget planning show that the parties are pedaling on empty, unable to synchronize their priorities. With a precarious budget and a government without clear direction, the risk of a major political deadlock is becoming increasingly evident.