Romania's Liberals reject joining Social Democrats in Niculescu government
Luca Niculescu, picked to be Romania's next prime minister, met the three biggest parties Thursday and says they are open to a deal. But the Social Democrats want the Liberals and the Hungarian party to join them in power. Liberal leader Ilie Bolojan said his party does not plan to join, and talks go on Monday.
Romania's search for a new government hit an early snag on Thursday. Luca Niculescu, picked by the president to be prime minister, met the three biggest parties one by one. He said he left "optimistic," but the parties are still far apart.
The Social Democrats, the largest party in parliament, set two terms for backing him, leader Sorin Grindeanu said. First, they want a change in economic policy to end what he called the "aggressive impoverishment" of Romanians. Second, they want a "committed majority" that brings in the National Liberal Party and the Hungarian party UDMR, AGERPRES reported. Grindeanu said the Social Democrats are "not interested in government positions" and will say no if the other parties do not sign on. He also said his party will not back a cabinet of experts with no party ties, Digi24 reported.
The Liberals answered quickly. "No, thank you," Liberal lawmaker Siegfried Mureșan wrote online. After meeting Niculescu, Liberal leader Ilie Bolojan said his party does not plan to join the government. But he said it is open to voting it in, since Romania needs a government with full powers to fix urgent budget problems. The UDMR said it will wait to see what the other two parties do.
Niculescu warned that Romania could have trouble making payments late this year unless it revises the budget, news.ro reported. He said the 2027 budget must be ready before rating agencies review the country early next year. He said his cabinet could be made up of party figures, outside experts or a mix. He also praised minister Alexandru Nazare as someone who could have a place in it, Mediafax reported.
In a Facebook post Thursday night, Niculescu said all three parties agree Romania must keep its budget promises. He will meet the USR party and other groups in parliament on Monday.
Niculescu has 10 days from his nomination to send his plan and list of ministers to parliament.
What we know: The Social Democrats want a joint majority, and the Liberals say they will not join the cabinet.
What we don't: Whether Niculescu can build a majority before the deadline.
Where outlets agree AGERPRES and Digi24 both report that Grindeanu made a change in economic policy and a committed majority with the Liberals and UDMR the conditions for Social Democratic support.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.