Social Democrats in Romania plan to abstain from the ruling coalition unless their primary demands are fulfilled.
The Social Democratic Party (PSD), led by interim president Sorin Grindeanu, has outlined conditions for its continued participation in Romania's ruling coalition. The conditions were announced on August 11, 2025, following a meeting of the party's leadership.
Grindeanu emphasized that the adoption of a package to eliminate privileges, including addressing special pensions, is a priority. He also highlighted the importance of reducing the number of state agencies and board members at state-owned enterprises. Additionally, the PSD seeks continued public investment under the Anghel Saligny infrastructure programme.
Grindeanu reiterated the PSD's position regarding the continuation of the Anghel Saligny program, stating that it is crucial for the benefit of Romanians. He did not indicate withdrawal from the coalition but rather a temporary boycott of meetings to press for these demands.
Later developments on August 25, 2025, show PSD returned to coalition meetings but limited its participation exclusively to discussing fiscal and administrative issues related to the second reform package, while still emphasizing investments and broader reforms as priorities.
Grindeanu criticized certain ministers for not dealing with public policies and complaining about their difficult legacy. However, he did not name any individuals in his criticism.
The third package of measures, as per PSD conditions, includes health, education, fiscal measures, and measures to relaunch the economy. Grindeanu did not specify a timeline for the implementation of this package.
It is worth noting that the PSD conditions do not include any specific mention of a boycott or withdrawal from the ruling coalition. Grindeanu has never mentioned that his party would pull out of the coalition, only boycotting it.
These developments reflect internal tensions within the PSD ahead of the congress where Grindeanu seeks a full term as party leader. The tensions stem from the reformist USR's opposition to the mourning day for former president Ion Iliescu, which triggered the meeting that led to the announcement of the PSD's conditions.
[1] Source: Local Newspaper A [2] Source: Local Newspaper B [3] Source: Local Newspaper C [4] Source: Local Newspaper D
- The Social Democratic Party (PSD), while emphasizing the importance of the Anghel Saligny infrastructure programme, has highlighted its dissatisfaction with the current state of policy-and-legislation, particularly regarding public policies and the number of state agencies and board members at state-owned enterprises in politics.
- Following a temporary boycott from coalition meetings, the PSD has resumed discussions, focusing on fiscal and administrative issues related to the second reform package, while emphasizing the need for broader reforms in health, education, and economic relaunch as priorities in general-news.
