Băsescu defends Nicușor Dan's PM choice but notes communication error

Former Romanian President Traian Băsescu has defended President Nicușor Dan's decision to nominate Adrian Veștea as prime minister, calling it a correct solution in the absence of viable alternatives from political parties. Băsescu believes the new government has a real chance of passing parliamentary approval, with the key factor being the Liberal Party's (PNL) support.

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If the Liberals help the Veștea government, it will pass. Bolojan must have maturity, not to break the party. The most important thing is that we don't have a government.

"If the Liberals help the Veștea government, it will pass," Băsescu stated, urging PNL leader Bolojan to show maturity to prevent the party from fracturing. He emphasized the urgency of forming a government, noting that Romania has been without one for over 40 days. Băsescu argued that the president was "pushed to the limit" by the political parties' inability to forge a functional majority, making the nomination a necessary step to break the deadlock.

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The president has as a priority to give the country a government. What you saw is the limit to which the parties brought him.

While constitutionally sound, Băsescu pointed out a communication misstep, suggesting the president could have informed Bolojan beforehand. He dismissed the idea that the president aimed to split the PNL, asserting that the primary goal was to unblock governance, not to engage in internal party calculations. The former head of state warned of significant risks associated with a prolonged lack of a functional executive, including the potential loss of EU funds under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

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He did not err constitutionally, but from the point of view of interpersonal relations. He could have informed Bolojan.

Despite the challenges, Băsescu sees a possibility for the Veștea government to be voted on as early as the following week, provided political parties reach an agreement. However, he did not rule out an escalation of political tensions, even a potential attempt to suspend the president. Băsescu sharply criticized the political class for risking a deeper crisis, stating, "I wouldn't be surprised if we reach a situation where we have neither a prime minister nor a president."

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We are in a situation where we will lose money from the PNRR, and the lack of government aggravates things.