Romanian PM-designate Eugen Tomac opens coalition talks with PNL, USR and PSD

Day of meetings

Tomac's schedule included a first stop at PNL headquarters at 11:00, with subsequent meetings at the Save Romania Union (USR) at 14:00 and the Social Democratic Party (PSD) at 17:00. The prime minister-designate was expected to announce plans for Tuesday's talks later in the day.

PNL's cautious reception

After the morning session, PNL president Ilie Bolojan told reporters that a government lacking explicit parliamentary backing would struggle to pass reforms.

“Such a government that does not rely on explicit political support is not a solution for Romania; without parliamentary support it cannot carry out the reforms and pass the difficult measures the country's reality demands.”

Bolojan noted that nine laws need to be adopted to meet Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) commitments. The PNL's National Political Bureau will convene on Wednesday or Thursday to decide the party's position.

Tomac appeals for support

Emerging from the talks, Tomac said he had presented his cabinet's objectives and described the discussions as frank.

“Time is pressing, we have an extremely tense international context. We have urgencies in the PNRR and the obligation to fulfill the reforms needed to receive EU money. The last payment request is on 30 September.”

He expressed confidence after the meeting, adding that he hopes PNL colleagues will grant him a vote of confidence. Tomac reiterated his intention to present a government of professionals and stressed the need to put the national budget in order to secure funding for salaries.

Next steps

Parliamentary groups of the PNL are set to be briefed on the discussions at 15:00. Tomac's round of negotiations continues with USR and PSD on Monday, while the schedule for Tuesday remains to be confirmed.