Veștea nominated as Romanian premier, Bolojan calls it an attempt to split the PNL
President Nicușor Dan selected PNL's Adrian Veștea as prime minister-designate on Saturday evening, triggering a sharp rebuke from party leader Ilie Bolojan, who called the decision 'an act of hostility' and an effort to fracture the party.
The confidential nomination
President Nicușor Dan met Adrian Veștea for the first time on Wednesday afternoon, presenting the vote tally gathered by Eugen Tomac. The discussion remained confidential at the president's request. A second meeting took place on Saturday evening after what Veștea described as lengthy talks, where the president asked him to form a government.
The president wanted the discussion to remain confidential.
Veștea said the final decision came late on Saturday and that discretion was mandatory, which is why he did not inform his family. His wife learned of the nomination only 10 minutes before the 9 p.m. announcement.
Bolojan's hostile reaction
PNL leader and interim prime minister Ilie Bolojan said he was not notified about the decision and described it as a hostile move.
It is an act of hostility, an obvious attempt to split the PNL.
Veștea called and messaged Bolojan immediately after the press conference but received no response. He said the two are expected to meet during Monday's PNL leadership session.
Government plans and parliamentary support
Veștea promised to adopt the existing government programme in full without changing a comma and said he would present a list of ministers with integrity and professional expertise in the coming days. He argued that the cabinet should be ready to work from day one.
In a few days you will see that the government programme of the Bolojan cabinet, agreed by all parties, I will take over in full, without changing a single comma.
The designated prime minister said he was assured by President Dan and Eugen Tomac that a parliamentary majority exists, mentioning 240 votes and calling on all pro-European, pro-Western forces to back the government.
Party meeting and family surprise
Veștea admitted that his nomination surprised everyone, including his own family. He said he spent much of Sunday explaining the decision to relatives. Ahead of Monday's PNL leadership meeting, he expressed confidence that party members would act responsibly, despite some being influenced or emotional.
- President Dan meets Veștea, presents Tomac's vote count, asks for confidentiality.
- Evening meeting: after long talks, Dan asks Veștea to form a government.
- Official announcement; Veștea's wife informed 10 minutes prior.
- Veștea calls and messages Bolojan; no response.
- Veștea spends Sunday explaining the decision to his surprised family.
- PNL leadership meeting; Veștea gives interviews on radio and TV.
