His Democratic Liberal Party (PD-L) managed to obtain a majority, with three lawmakers, two Social Democrats and one National Liberal, who joined the “independent” ranks in the past few days. With the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) by its side, following a promise of places in government, and the support of the parliamentary independents, PD-L can now obtain political support for an Executive, which requires 236 votes in Parliament. In a declaration for Realitatea FM radio, Vasile Blaga, PD-L official, said he does not exclude the possibility of the next Prime Minister being an independent, but insisted the appointment will be made by the Democratic Liberals.
“The candidate we supported for the presidential elections has won; we have the highest number of Parliamentarians, so it is natural that we should appoint the Prime Minister,” said Blaga. He also indicated that the future executive will be limited to 14-15 Ministers, even if there is a coalition Executive. Vasile Blaga indicated that the Ministries of Tourism and Youth and Sports would likely be axed.
This winter promises to be a very frigid one for the Liberal and Social Democratic Opposition. Voices from both parties are promising internal evaluations. While Crin Antonescu, PNL head, seems to have imposed his point of view for the time being, PSD’s territorial “cavalry” is demanding explanations from the central authorities.
Following a congratulatory call yesterday to President Băsescu by Mircea Geoană, leader of PSD and its presidential candidate, members of his party are now accusing the management team of losing the election, with Viorel Hrebenciuc the first to be blamed. Miron Mitrea, another PSD official, told Business Standard that Hrebenciuc must go, as “a Viorel Hrebenciuc clique monopolized the party’s leadership, including Mircea Geoană.” PNL’s Permanent Delegation voted for a team to negotiate the formation of an Executive, without former Prime Minister Călin Popescu Tăriceanu.
