Romanian interim PM has 'reservations' about technocratic government

Romanian interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has voiced significant reservations about the prospect of a technocratic government, particularly regarding its ability to navigate the political landscape and secure parliamentary support for its initiatives. Following Eugen Tomac's nomination for prime minister, Bolojan indicated that his party, the National Liberal Party (PNL), has doubts about the effectiveness of a government lacking a clear political mandate.

“

We have reservations about the possibility that a technocratic government can govern with results in the coming period.

Bolojan warned of the potential for legislative projects to be undermined or significantly altered in parliament if a government lacks a solid political base. He drew parallels to past experiences where political parties distanced themselves from difficult decisions, even when present during their formulation. "Think about it, when a technocratic government that does not have support behind it, the risk of these things happening is greater," Bolojan stated, highlighting the vulnerability of such administrations.

He emphasized that a government requires unequivocal support in parliament to function effectively. Bolojan argued that without this backing, the government could face challenges when implementing unpopular but necessary measures. "You need parliamentary support, because whether you like it or not, you end up needing parliamentary support, and what will happen, as we have seen happening in the last 10-11 months? When the Government will be in the situation – and it will not be able to avoid it – to take measures that do not sound good, nobody will be around the Government to support these measures," he explained.

“

Think about it, when a technocratic government that does not have support behind it, the risk of these things happening is greater.

Furthermore, Bolojan made it clear that the PNL will not endorse a cabinet where crucial decision-making roles are filled by individuals closely aligned with the Social Democratic Party (PSD). He stressed that this stance is not personal but stems from a lack of trust in such a formula. "We cannot vote for a government in which state secretaries, for example, designated by the PSD or ministers who, in one way or another, are clearly associated with this party. Not because we have a problem with one person or another. Because, having no basis of trust, you cannot imagine that you will move forward with such a formula," Bolojan concluded.

“

We cannot vote for a government in which state secretaries, for example, designated by the PSD or ministers who, in one way or another, are clearly associated with this party.