Romania’s PM-designate presses pause after PSD postpones decision on joining his cabinet

Veștea calls for a measured course

Adrian Veștea posted a public message on Facebook on Thursday, 18 June, rejecting pressure for a quick cabinet vote and insisting that the formation of a government must be built on “seriousness and balance.” He stressed that the stakes for Romania’s economy and its budget targets are too high for decisions driven by emotion or haste.

Seriousness and balance are the principles that must guide us in this period. This is not the time for rushed decisions or decisions made under the pressure of urgency. I will responsibly use the time at my disposal to build a solid agreement on the government program, one that supports economic recovery, raises the standard of living for Romanians and restores fiscal balance.

The designated premier added that he understands the frustration of citizens after more than a month and a half of political instability, but that every step must be taken with the long-term interest of the country in mind.

PSD hesitates and postpones the decision to Sunday

Sorin Grindeanu, leader of the Social Democrats, told party lawmakers in a closed-door meeting on Thursday that the PSD must weigh its position carefully. He announced that a decision on whether to join the Veștea executive will be taken by the National Political Council on Sunday, 21 June, at 16:00.

I have a big problem with forming majorities with UDMR again.

Grindeanu was reacting to the refusal of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR), led by Kelemen Hunor, to support the new cabinet. He also said the PSD would not govern again with the USR and accused both the UDMR and the National Liberal Party (PNL) of shifting positions daily. According to party sources cited by Libertatea, around 20 additional votes would be needed for the government to pass, leaving only the sovereignist AUR and SOS factions as possible sources, a prospect that generates public discomfort for Grindeanu.

AUR approached but refuses to engage

Senator Petrișor Peiu of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) revealed on 18 June that he had been contacted by a PSD member inviting AUR to help finalise the government programme. He declined, stating that the process is “tainted from the start” and should be relaunched by President Nicușor Dan with a direct address to all parliamentary parties.

PNL rift deepens as Bolojan talks to Weber

The acting prime minister and PNL leader, Ilie Bolojan, whose faction threatens to expel any Liberal who supports the Veștea cabinet, denied having negotiated a technocratic government. He said no agreement was ever struck for the investiture of a cabinet led by Eugen Tomac. Meanwhile, the president of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, held what he called an “excellent” phone call with Bolojan on Thursday morning, thanking him for “clear policies” and stressing that Romania must continue its reform and modernisation path.

A 68-page programme with four strategic pillars

Veștea has finalised a 68‑page government programme for the 2026–2028 mandate. The document, obtained by ProTV, outlines four strategic pillars: consolidation of public finances, modernisation of the administration, increased economic competitiveness, and improved citizen services. It also commits to the continued implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the SAFE programme, the OECD accession process and the strengthening of national security, objectives that President Nicușor Dan earlier described as enjoying cross-party consensus among the former coalition.