Tomac Defends Cabinet Choices Amid PSD Ties Accusations

Prime Minister-designate Eugen Tomac has firmly defended his prerogative to select his cabinet, dismissing accusations that his proposed government includes individuals with ties to the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Tomac stated that as the designated premier, he possesses the freedom to assemble the team he believes will best serve Romania.

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I will not respond to any comments made by any political leader, regardless of the party they come from.

"I will not respond to any comments made by any political leader, regardless of the party they come from," Tomac declared after meeting with the parliamentary minority group. He emphasized his deep understanding of the political landscape and the sensitivities between parties. "On the other hand, as Prime Minister-designate, I have this freedom to choose the team I am forming and supporting, and obviously, I want to promote it in relation to the parties from whom I am seeking votes to invest a functional government."

The accusations were leveled by Ciprian Ciucu, the general mayor of Bucharest and a senior official in the National Liberal Party (PNL). Ciucu alleged that Tomac had engaged in "preliminary, hidden, and unassumed meetings with PSD" and described the ministerial list as "sewn with fluorescent white thread." He specifically pointed to the nominations of Nicolae Istudor for Agriculture, Ionuț Laurențiu Mașala for Transport, and Vladimir Ionaș for Development as indicators of alleged prior understandings between Tomac and PSD.

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On the other hand, as Prime Minister-designate, I have this freedom to choose the team I am forming and supporting, and obviously, I want to promote it in relation to the parties from whom I am seeking votes to invest a functional government.

Ciucu further stated that the ministries initially claimed by PSD seemed to align with their proposed candidates. The nomination of Vladimir Ionaș for the Ministry of Development, in particular, fueled Ciucu's suspicions of pre-existing deals. "Please, have the decency and don't take us for fools," Ciucu urged Tomac.

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Please, have the decency and don't take us for fools.

Tomac reiterated his call for open dialogue and responsibility among all political factions, stressing that "Romania needs a government with full powers at the moment." He urged all political formations to remain open to dialogue, highlighting responsibility towards Romania as the key word in these critical days.

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Romania needs a government with full powers at the moment.