Romanian PM-designate Eugen Tomac opens coalition talks with PNL, USR and PSD
Prime Minister-designate Eugen Tomac met with National Liberal Party (PNL) leaders on Monday as he launched a round of negotiations with Romania's three main parliamentary parties, seeking support for a technocratic cabinet ahead of a confidence vote.
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.
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.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.
Tomac appeals for support
Emerging from the talks, Tomac said he had presented his cabinet's objectives and described the discussions as frank.
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.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.
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.
- Tomac meets PNL leaders
- Tomac gives statement after PNL meeting
- Bolojan gives statement on meeting
- Tomac meets USR leaders
- PNL parliamentary groups briefed
- Tomac meets PSD leaders
- PNL National Political Bureau convenes to decide position
- Last PNRR payment request deadline
