Romanian President urges action after coalition talks fail

Romanian President Nicușor Dan has called on political parties to expedite the formation of a parliamentary majority following the collapse of coalition negotiations at Vila Lac. The leaders of pro-European parties failed to reach an agreement on the future government structure, leaving Romania in a state of political uncertainty.

Dan stressed the urgent need for political stability and a functional government, highlighting potential budget and institutional risks. He specifically mentioned the critical deadline for accessing European Union funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), as well as the upcoming parliamentary recess.

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We are in crisis because some leaders did not keep their promise. It would be good to have a government by Tuesday.

"We are in crisis because some leaders did not keep their promise," Dan stated, expressing his expectation for responsibility after two months of negotiations. He indicated that a minority government supported by a pro-Western majority was the anticipated solution. "It would be good to have a government by Tuesday," he added.

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In the moment when I designated Eugen Tomac, I had the reasonable expectation that there would be a majority. Likewise, when I designated Veștea, I had a reasonable expectation that this government would pass. In both cases, my reasonable expectation, based on some leaders, did not materialize because some leaders changed their opinion in the meantime.

The President recalled previous attempts to facilitate a majority, including the designations of Eugen Tomac and then Veștea as potential prime ministers. He noted that in both instances, his reasonable expectations, based on assurances from party leaders, were not met because those leaders changed their minds.

Dan clarified that his constitutional role prevents direct involvement in political negotiations. His duty is to designate the prime minister, and beyond that, he can only appeal for responsibility. He reiterated his advocacy for a pro-Western majority in all discussions.

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It would have been unconstitutional for me to get involved in discussions. In all the discussions I had, I advocated for a pro-Western majority. My constitutional role is to designate the prime minister. Beyond that, I can only appeal for responsibility.