Romania's designated PM Veștea finalizes government program, ministerial list due Wednesday

Romania's designated Prime Minister Adrian Veștea declared on Tuesday evening that the government's program is complete and the list of ministers will be submitted Wednesday, signaling a decisive step towards forming the new executive. Veștea emphasized that the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) is the government's top priority, requiring immediate discussions with the European Commission regarding payment tranches and project alignment.

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PNRR is the priority zero. The next priority is the operationalization of the SAFE program, so as quickly as possible we need to start buying equipment and thus ensure Romania's security.

Beyond the PNRR, Veștea outlined the operationalization of the SAFE program as another critical objective, aimed at bolstering Romania's security through equipment procurement. In foreign policy, continued efforts toward Romania's accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) were highlighted. Veștea also stressed the importance of fiscal discipline, aiming to keep the budget deficit below the projected 6.2% by year-end, and ideally, to reduce it further.

Veștea expressed strong confidence in securing the necessary parliamentary majority for his government's investiture. He anticipates that the National Liberal Party (PNL), despite potential internal stances, will demonstrate maturity and support the government, aligning with the interest of preserving reforms and advancing the governing program. He also expects support from parliamentarians across various political formations, regardless of their parties' official positions, believing a quorum will be achieved.

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I believe that, ultimately, PNL will show maturity and come to support this government. My interest is to preserve the reforms, to continue the government program and to move forward.

Among potential cabinet members, Luca Niculescu is reportedly being considered, and Veștea indicated a desire for Alexandru Nazare to retain his position as Minister of Finance. Following the submission of the documents, parliamentary procedures will commence, including committee convenings and the vetting of proposed ministers. Veștea explicitly stated, "I am not submitting my mandate," underscoring his commitment to the formation process.

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The government program is finalized. The list of ministers will be submitted on Wednesday. Categorically, I am not submitting my mandate.