Băsescu Mocks Veștea, Attacks Nicușor Dan: 'He Even Fooled Tomac'

Former Romanian President Traian Băsescu has sharply criticized President Nicușor Dan's handling of the prime minister designation process, accusing him of a lack of transparency and potentially misleading key political figures. Băsescu specifically pointed to the abrupt change of candidate from Eugen Tomac to Adrian Veștea, suggesting that Tomac was kept in the dark about the decision.

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It gave me the impression that he even fooled Tomac.

In an interview with ȘtirileProTV.ro, Băsescu stated that President Dan's management of the candidate change raised serious questions about institutional loyalty and the openness of the premier selection. He claimed that discussions between President Dan and Adrian Veștea had already occurred on Wednesday, while Eugen Tomac was still publicly presenting his government plans as late as Saturday. "It gave me the impression that he even fooled Tomac," Băsescu remarked, questioning how Tomac could continue negotiations unaware that the president had already decided on a different candidate.

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How is it possible to talk to Veștea on Wednesday and let the designated prime minister Tomac continue with a government, continue negotiations, when you know that on Sunday you will announce another candidate for prime minister?

Băsescu emphasized that while the presidential decision to appoint a new candidate is constitutionally valid, the political process surrounding it is questionable. He found it particularly difficult to understand why a member of the National Liberal Party (PNL) like Adrian Veștea would be appointed without prior consultation with the party's leader, Ilie Bolojan. "From a constitutional point of view, there is no problem; it is a constitutional decision. However, from the perspective of human relations, it is hard to understand that you appoint a member of the PNL without speaking to the party leader. I think here we would fall under what is called loyal cooperation," Băsescu explained.

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From a constitutional point of view, there is no problem; it is a constitutional decision. However, from the perspective of human relations, it is hard to understand that you appoint a member of the PNL without speaking to the party leader.

Furthermore, the former president expressed skepticism about Adrian Veștea's claims of securing a parliamentary majority of 240 votes. "Veștea arrives, parachuted from Brașov, and says: 'I have 240 votes.' Where do you get 240 votes from, brother? Did you bring them from Brașov?" Băsescu asked ironically. He also cast doubt on Veștea's qualifications for the prime minister role, referencing past instances of leaders lacking a baccalaureate degree and suggesting Veștea's educational background was questionable.

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Veștea arrives, parachuted from Brașov, and says: 'I have 240 votes.' Where do you get 240 votes from, brother? Did you bring them from Brașov?