Romanian minister-designate doesn't rule out AUR heading Senate: 'Nothing excluded in politics'

Romania's priority is to establish a functional government with genuine parliamentary backing, according to Marian Neacșu, the designated Interior Minister. Neacșu stressed the urgent need for an executive capable of meeting the country's major objectives, warning that prolonged inaction risks significant setbacks.

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In politics nothing is excluded.

Speaking after his parliamentary hearings, Neacșu expressed respect for the designated Prime Minister Adrian Veștea's decision to engage in discussions with AUR, a nationalist party. Neacșu characterized these talks as natural within the context of negotiations to secure the necessary votes for the government's investiture. He noted that Veștea had already consulted with other parliamentary groups, making AUR the only remaining party to discuss with.

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The most important thing at the moment is for the country to have a functional government. If the lack of functionality persists, obviously we will miss all the targets.

When questioned about AUR potentially becoming a more acceptable political force, Neacșu recalled past instances where his party, PSD, had collaborated with AUR, including on a no-confidence motion. He firmly stated, "Nothing is excluded in politics," when asked about the possibility of AUR securing significant positions, such as the presidency of the Senate. However, Neacșu clarified that AUR's entry into the government itself is not under discussion, as the parliamentary hearings are already underway.

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If you want a personal opinion, I believe that many things have changed since that moment. The fundamental goal is the formation of a government in whatever form we can achieve it. Not under any conditions. (...) AUR will not be in government.

Neacșu distanced himself from labeling AUR as extremist, stating he has never used such terms. He asserted that Romanians are predominantly pro-European and pro-Western, according to available statistics. While acknowledging that AUR will not be part of the governing coalition, Neacșu suggested that circumstances have evolved since previous rejections of collaboration, emphasizing the fundamental goal of forming a government in any achievable form, though not under any conditions.

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I have openness to any request from the political formation led by George