The agreement saw former adversaries the PDL (Democrat Liberals close to President Traian Basescu) and the PSD (Social Democrats, until now in opposition) sign a coalition agreement called "A Partnership for Romania".
The coalition will have a two-thirds majority in Parliament, with the PDL having won 115 seats in the 334-member lower house in comparison to the PSD's 114. With only 65 seats, the National Liberals of current Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu lost their majority and will now be forced into opposition.
The coalition agreement aims to secure a climate of stability in the country in the context of the global economic crisis. The Romanian national currency has recently weakened against the euro as international investors become more cautious than in previous years. Economists believe Romania's economy is vulnerable due to its reliance on foreign cash.
The Romanian economy grew by 9.1% in the third quarter of 2008, well above the Western European average. But this growth rate is seen as unsustainable in the long run due to double-digit current account deficits and high inflation.
The coalition also wants to promote employment, develop a more dynamic public administration and better infrastructure, improve energy security and introduce social measures. A special paragraph of the agreement is dedicated to guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary.
Indeed, the next justice minister is expected to be "independent": that is, convenient to both the PDL and the PSD, the daily Ziua writes. This is why Monica Macovei, who is highly respected in the West for her persistent judicial reforms and her efforts to fight corruption (EurActiv 23/05/08), will be kept out of the cabinet, the daily writes.
"Today, Romanian democracy shows that we have become more mature […] The solution we found is the only one that can secure stability and competent governance for Romania […] An extraordinaty response to an extraordinary situation," PSD leader Mireca Geoana remarked.
"Both the PDL and the PSD understood that the time for disputes is now over […] We are partners, but we will continue to be political competitors," said PDL leader Emil Boc.
The coalition partners agreed that they would field separate candidates in the 2009 presidential elections.
