Romanian MEP Slams Talks with Pro-Russia Party Ahead of Government Vote

Romanian Europarlamentarian Siegfried Mureșan has sharply criticized the designated Prime Minister Adrian Veștea's intention to negotiate with the far-right AUR party for parliamentary support. Mureșan, a vice-president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), stated on Facebook that Romania does not need a government that begins its mandate by negotiating with "friends of Russia."

He argued that genuine responsibility lies in building pro-European majorities and forming a government composed of those who wish to advance Romania, not those who seek to halt its progress. Mureșan's comments came after Veștea confirmed he would meet with AUR leader George Simion to discuss support for his investiture.

Veștea, however, defended the meeting as a necessary dialogue, stating, "I am a man of dialogue and consensus. I undertake open dialogue with any political formation voted for by Romanians." He deemed such discussions "obligatory" for forming a government. Simion had previously declared AUR would not vote for Veștea's government and that its MPs would leave the chamber during the vote. Despite this, Simion invited Veștea to the party headquarters, suggesting AUR was willing to contribute to a "consensus, reconciliation effort."

The vote for Veștea's government is scheduled for later this evening. However, sources indicate discussions within the Social Democratic Party (PSD) about postponing the vote. AUR has reportedly set a condition for its vote: the position of Senate President for its candidate, Peiu.