Grindeanu Accuses PNL, USR of Rejecting 'Armistice Government' Proposal

PSD President Sorin Grindeanu accused the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Save Romania Union (USR) of rejecting proposals for a "government of armistice" or a political government led by an independent prime minister. Grindeanu stated that Romania has been without a fully empowered government for over 70 days, hindering its ability to manage the Recovery and Resilience Facility (PNRR) and the budget.

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I believe the president did well. The discussion began with proposals from the leader of the minorities, Varujan Pambuccian, and then from UDMR, proposals that, in the end, I accepted.

Grindeanu explained that he agreed to two proposals: one suggesting a government formed by the former coalition parties but led by an independent prime minister with political ministers, and another from UDMR leader Kelemen Hunor for a "government of armistice." This temporary government would set aside party differences to address the PNRR and budget.

However, Grindeanu claimed that PNL and USR did not accept these proposals and did not explain their reasoning. He criticized the interim government, led by Ilie Bolojan, for attempting to shift responsibility for PNRR milestones to Parliament, arguing that these are government competencies.

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We put these things aside, we form a government to get through this period, let's say, with the PNRR, to also do the budget and, being an armistice, these constraints are also put aside. I agreed again.

He noted that while four of the six laws sent by the interim prime minister to Parliament were adopted by the Chamber of Deputies, two failed in the Senate by a narrow margin. Grindeanu pointed out the absence of key PNL leaders during the Senate vote, suggesting a lack of commitment from the ruling parties to resolve the political crisis.

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Those who did not accept these proposals were from PNL and USR. I don't know what their vision is. They haven't said why they don't accept them.

Grindeanu emphasized that PSD is in opposition and cannot be expected to consistently support the ruling parties' agenda, especially when they are struggling to maintain power with limited authority. He questioned the ruling parties' vision and their approach to forming a stable government.

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And so I told them very clearly today: sir, for two months and something, maybe you don't realize, but PSD is in opposition. This coalition no longer exists. You are in power.