Romania Moves Closer to Early Elections as PSD Refuses to Back Mureșan Government

The prospect of early parliamentary elections in Romania is looking increasingly real. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) has decided not to support the government proposed by Siegfried Mureșan after AUR also said it would not vote for the proposed cabinet. Under these circumstances, the designated prime minister does not yet have the necessary parliamentary support to secure approval for his government, tv8.md reports. PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu said the Social Democrats would vote only for a government in which they themselves participate. He also believes Mureșan would continue the policies of former Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. A total of 233 votes are required to approve the government. The PNL, USR and UDMR, the parties backing Mureșan, currently hold 169 seats combined. The designated prime minister is also counting on the support of 17 MPs representing national minorities. Even if all of them vote for the Cabinet, however, the total would reach only 186 votes, still short of the required threshold. The votes of independent lawmakers would not be enough either. If Mureșan manages to secure the support of all 23 independent MPs currently under consideration, he would have 209 votes – 24 short of the number needed to approve the government. AUR has already announced that it will not vote for the Mureșan government, while the designated prime minister has said he does not intend to negotiate with George Simion’s party. The PACE-Întâi România group has also opposed the approval of the Cabinet, while Victor Ponta has said he will not vote for it. If the Mureșan government fails to secure parliamentary approval, Romania will move closer to early elections. A Cabinet led by Adrian Veștea was already rejected in June, and the 60-day period stipulated by the Constitution has since expired. If the government is rejected again, the president may dissolve the legislature after consulting the parliamentary leaders.