No quick resolution to Romania’s political crisis

As the negotiations between parties continue in Bucharest, the president does not plan to act as a mediator – a role conferred by the Constitution.

In a press statement made Thursday, President Iohannis noted the talks between parliamentary parties and said he would postpone any formal consultations until a majority can be found.

“It is very clear that attempts to form minority governments have not yielded results and, consequently, I cannot continue to accept such approaches,” Iohannis said.

After the government’s fall precisely one month ago, Iohannis designated former prime minister Dacian Ciolos to form a government. Still, he could not gather support from any other party except his own USR (a member of Renew Europe).

Defence minister Nicolae Ciuca then tried to find support for a minority government comprising members of centre-right parties PNL and UDMR (both part of EPP). This plan was also rejected by USR and the socialist party PSD, which both said they would not vote for a minority government.

The PNL is negotiating with both the PSD and USR aimed at building a coalition.

(Bogdan Neagu | EURACTIV.ro)