Romania's AUR party refuses to vote for new government, citing 'presidential restrictions'

George Simion, the leader of Romania's Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party, announced that his party will not vote to approve the new government led by Prime Minister-designate Adrian Veștea. The declaration came shortly before the scheduled vote in Parliament, following a day of committee hearings for the proposed cabinet ministers.

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AUR does not have a mandate to vote for the new government.

Simion stated that, similar to how all 90 AUR parliamentarians voted for a previous no-confidence motion, they would not support the current government. He indicated that AUR parliamentarians would leave the chamber during the vote, ensuring the proposed executive would not secure the necessary majority. Simion criticized the current political climate, describing Romania as being in "the greatest economic, social, and political crisis in the last 35 years" and referred to the proposed government as "the Bolojan government."

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Like all 90 AUR parliamentarians voted for the no-confidence motion initiated by us, so tonight, if there is a vote for this government... it will not have the support of AUR parliamentarians.

The AUR leader explained his party's stance by referencing statements made by President Nicușor Dan. Simion claimed that "restrictions from the president" prevent AUR from considering support for the new executive. He specifically recalled a statement allegedly made by Dan on May 6th, indicating disapproval of a government that included AUR or was supported by the party. "We are awaiting clarifications from Nicușor Dan before the vote," Simion declared, adding that accusations of AUR being anti-Western are "completely unfounded and divisive."

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Romania is going through the greatest economic, social, and political crisis in the last 35 years.

Despite the political opposition, Simion described his meeting with Adrian Veștea at the AUR headquarters as constructive, characterizing the Prime Minister-designate as "a reasonable man." He emphasized that AUR's core concerns revolve around the dire economic situation in the country, fiscal policies, and the need to support Romanian entrepreneurs and capital. "Life is hard in the country, increasingly hard," Simion stated, criticizing the responses received regarding these issues.

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We are awaiting clarifications from Nicușor Dan before the vote.