Romanian PNL leader rejects unconditional support for premier candidate, proposes alternative

Ilie Bolojan, leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL), has firmly rejected offering unconditional support for Sorin Grindeanu's candidacy for prime minister. Bolojan stated that PNL will not provide a "blank check" in the negotiations for forming the next government. Instead, PNL, in collaboration with USR and UDMR, proposed European Parliament member Siegfried Mureșan as their preferred candidate for premier, highlighting his significant experience with European funds and budgets.

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PNL does not block. PNL remains consistent. We do not want the country to be handed over to just anyone and under any conditions, with our votes. That is what is bothering them.

Bolojan explained that his party's proposal for Mureșan was not accepted during discussions at Cotroceni Palace. He emphasized that PNL's stance is not about blocking the government formation process but about ensuring political conditions are met. "PNL is not blocking. PNL remains consistent. We do not want the country to be handed over to just anyone and under any conditions, with our votes. That is what is bothering them," Bolojan stated.

The PNL leader directly addressed President Nicușor Dan's accusations, asserting that the party is not obstructing the process. He clarified that PNL seeks a political agreement, not a blank endorsement, and expressed skepticism about Grindeanu's demand for unconditional support. Bolojan alluded to past negative experiences, suggesting a reluctance to repeat them.

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We have decided that we will not accept to unconditionally support Mr. Grindeanu as prime minister. And we said that clearly, explaining why. It was not agreed. PNL did not promise a blank check to Mr. Grindeanu, but a political agreement based on which a decision regarding the investiture of a government could be considered. We did not reach an agreement.

Discussions at Cotroceni, involving leaders of parliamentary parties and President Dan, reportedly ended after about an hour amid tensions. The designation of a new prime minister is now postponed, deepening the political crisis as no majority agreement has been reached. President Dan has accused the PNL of changing its position and blocking the formation of a new government, contrary to initial understandings.

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We found that Mr. Grindeanu wants nothing more than a blank check. We've been burned before. And I understood that even in politics, blank checks are not given.