PNL Leader Calls Nomination of PM Candidate a 'Coup Attempt'

Tensions are escalating within Romania's National Liberal Party (PNL) following the nomination of Adrian Veștea as the new prime minister. Ciprian Ciucu, the party's first deputy leader, publicly denounced the move, labeling it a "coup attempt" against the party's leadership.

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I am in Singapore, at the World Cities Summit 2026. The timing is unfortunate for me due to the coup attempt to which the National Liberal Party is subjected today.

Ciucu, currently attending the World Cities Summit in Singapore, expressed his dismay on Facebook, stating the timing of the internal conflict was unfortunate. His accusation implies a significant internal power struggle within the PNL, challenging the established decision-making processes.

Adding to the discord, interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan revealed that neither he nor the party's leadership were consulted prior to Veștea's nomination. Bolojan characterized the decision as a "hostile act" and an "obvious attempt to break up the PNL." He announced that the party's National Political Bureau would be convened to address the situation and establish an official party position.

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I acknowledge that President Nicușor Dan has nominated Mr. Adrian Veștea for the position of prime minister. Neither the PNL leadership nor I personally were previously informed by the president regarding this decision.

The controversy arose after President Nicușor Dan put forward Adrian Veștea for the prime ministerial role, following the resignation of Eugen Tomac. The internal dispute within the PNL highlights deep divisions and a lack of consensus regarding the party's direction and leadership.

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A hostile act and an obvious attempt to break up the PNL.