Ilie Bolojan re-elected as PNL president on a mandate of reform, while party sends ultimatum to five members including prime minister-designate
Romania's National Liberal Party (PNL) reconfirmed Ilie Bolojan as its leader at an extraordinary congress on 21 June, adopting a resolution that sharpens its centre-right course and excludes a future coalition with the Social Democrats.
Congress confirms Bolojan with overwhelming majority
At the Palatul Parlamentului in Bucharest, 1,886 delegates gathered for the PNL extraordinary congress. Out of 1,842 votes cast, Ilie Bolojan obtained 1,769 votes in favour, running on the 'Modernisation with Roots' motio. The new leadership team includes Dan Motreanu as first vice-president, Robert Sighiartău as secretary general and eight other vice-presidents.
Thank you for your support. Thank you for coming to Bucharest from all over the country today! Have a safe trip back to your counties.
Weber calls for strong centre-right parties
Minutes after the result, Manfred Weber, President of the European People's Party, posted a message of congratulations on Facebook. Earlier, on 18 June, he had held a phone call with Bolojan to discuss Romania's political situation and governance priorities.
Citizens are looking for clarity and leadership. Europe needs strong centre-right parties that have the courage to reform, govern responsibly and defend European values. Today, Romania needs a strong PNL.
Resolution reaffirms centre-right line and shuts door on PSD
Delegates adopted a resolution that explicitly repositioned the party on the centre-right and ruled out any new governing coalition with the Social Democratic Party (PSD). The text cites the need for responsible reform and a clear break from previous alliances.
Ultimatum for five high-profile liberals
The congress also approved a hard-line decision targeting five party figures: Adrian Veștea, the prime minister-designate appointed by President Nicușor Dan without party consent, alongside Lucian Bode, Rareș Bogdan, Hubert Thuma and Alina Gorghiu. They were given until Monday, 22 June, at 12:00 to submit their resignations. Should they fail to do so, the National Political Bureau is mandated to start expulsion procedures.
- Manfred Weber and Ilie Bolojan hold a phone call on Romania's political situation and reform priorities.
- PNL extraordinary congress: Bolojan re-elected with 1,769 votes; resolution excludes PSD coalition; ultimatum issued to five members.
- Deadline for Adrian Veștea, Lucian Bode, Rareș Bogdan, Hubert Thuma and Alina Gorghiu to resign or face expulsion.
Context of the extraordinary session
The congress was convened after President Nicușor Dan designated Adrian Veștea, a PNL member, to form a new government without consulting the party leadership. The move triggered an internal crisis, and the extraordinary gathering became both a leadership vote and a platform to rebuke the presidential intervention. Weber's public endorsement, coming on the heels of his 18 June phone call with Bolojan, reinforces the EPP's backing of PNL's independent line.
