PNL Leader Sets Conditions for Government Vote

PNL leader Ilie Bolojan has presented a set of stringent conditions for his party's support of a new government, as reported by political sources to Adevărul. The party has ruled out backing a government led by a PSD leader, instead advocating for a technocratic prime minister with an economic background to continue ongoing reforms. Furthermore, Bolojan insists on a fully technocratic cabinet, emphasizing that new ministers should not have ties to the PSD. This condition aims to prevent a situation where a government is technically technocratic but influenced by the PSD, as seen in a previous proposal. The PNL also demands that prefects and state secretaries be appointed from civil society rather than political parties. A crucial demand is that the new prime minister must commit to clear deficit targets to prevent populist measures that could destabilize the budget. The party also insists that negotiated measures with the European Commission for PNRR projects remain unchanged, either in parliament or by emergency ordinance, to avoid financial penalties from Brussels. Additionally, Bolojan wants to exclude any ministers from the conservative wing of the PNL, who are his rivals within the party. Meanwhile, PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu is reportedly seeking a parliamentary majority with the UDMR, the conservative wing of the PNL, and Victor Ponta's sovereignist group, needing an additional 15 votes. President Nicușor Dan is hesitant, still hoping for PNL and USR support for a Grindeanu-led government. Former President Traian Băsescu has urged Bolojan to prioritize the country's interests over personal pride and rebuild the coalition for stability.