AUR threatens to boycott Romanian presidential talks and rejects coalition deals

Rejection of coalition talks and consultation threats

The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) announced on 29 August 2026 that it is not engaged in any formal or informal negotiations to build a parliamentary majority with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) or the National Liberal Party (PNL). Speaking on Antena 3 CNN, AUR Senate leader Petrișor Peiu stated that the party might boycott upcoming government formation consultations hosted by President Nicușor Dan at the Cotroceni Palace if discussions are prearranged behind closed doors. Peiu emphasized that joint voting on previous parliamentary motions did not establish a political alliance with the PSD. He cited public statements from PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu ruling out any joint governing arrangement with AUR as evidence that negotiations are unviable.

If he conducts informal consultations where he lays the foundations of a government and then holds formal consultations just to be photographed on television shaking hands with various people, I do not know if it makes sense for us to participate in those consultations and we will probably not participate.

Suspension procedure against Nicușor Dan

AUR leaders confirmed they are moving forward with a constitutional procedure to suspend and remove President Nicușor Dan from office. Following a leadership meeting held in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Peiu stated that parliamentarians from other parties attended the session and added their signatures to the suspension initiative. The party argues that Dan exceeded presidential prerogatives and disregarded political realities during the ongoing cabinet crisis. Earlier in August, AUR launched a dedicated online portal called suspeND.ro to track the parliamentary process, display the number of signatures gathered, record individual votes, and collect public endorsements.

We are moving forward with the suspension, with the process of collecting signatures from parliamentarians who want to maintain the suspension, and then the procedure for removing the president.

Explanation of the Constanța meeting

Peiu also addressed controversy surrounding a photograph showing AUR president George Simion seated with presidential national security adviser Marius Lazurca. The image included former presidential adviser Iulian Chifu, AUR senator General Mircia Chelaru, and Professor Silviu Rogobete. The Presidential Administration confirmed the photograph was taken on 15 August 2026 during a formal reception for Romanian Navy Day in Constanța, an event attended by hundreds of official guests. Peiu rejected claims that the interaction constituted covert political bargaining, stating that party leaders routinely attend public events without conducting secret cabinet negotiations.

Political deadlock since the fall of Bolojan

Romania has remained without a stable government since early May 2026, when the cabinet of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan fell in a parliamentary vote of no confidence. Subsequent attempts to form an executive failed when initial nominee Eugen Tomac could not assemble a parliamentary majority, followed by parliament rejecting a proposed cabinet led by Adrian Veștea. Political parties later split their backing between two candidates, with PSD nominating Sorin Grindeanu while PNL, USR, and UDMR supported MEP Siegfried Mureșan. President Dan refused to designate either nominee during the summer, citing the absence of a viable majority, but announced that formal consultations will resume after 1 September 2026.