Romania's biggest party refuses to support Muresan's government

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), the largest in Romania’s parliament, has finally decided not to vote for the new government of Siegfried Muresan (National Liberal Party). The vote on the appointment of the new cabinet is scheduled for September 30.

“The SDP reaffirms its desire for power. We will not succumb to any pressure from the media or political blackmail, and we will not be intimidated by those who in recent days brazenly filled the public space with fake news and accused us of all sorts of fabrications to force the SPD to vote for this government in parliament, said the leader of the Social Democrats Sorin Grindianu (quoted by Romania Insider).

The new government needs 233 votes, but the parties in the cabinet have so far won only 170. Meanwhile, the SPD insists it can form a one-party government. The Social Democrats believe that Mureshan will continue the austerity policy pursued by the previous cabinet of Ilie Bolojan of the NLP.

In May, Bolojan’s government was handed a vote of no confidence over his economic policies, which the SPD said had reduced support for the government. Since then, it has not been possible to form a full-fledged government. President Nikushor Dan, after negotiations with the parties, nominated Siegfried Mureshan as a candidate for the post.

Lucine Balasian