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Social Democrats in Romania threaten to withdraw from the coalition government unless their crucial requirements are fulfilled

Social Democratic Party (PSD) sets prerequisites for coalition gatherings, as indicated by interim president Sorin Grindeanu following a party leadership meeting on August 11, according to Digi24's reports. The meeting was convened to decide on the...

Romania's Social Democrats threaten to withdraw support from the ruling coalition unless their...
Romania's Social Democrats threaten to withdraw support from the ruling coalition unless their crucial conditions are satisfied

Social Democrats in Romania threaten to withdraw from the coalition government unless their crucial requirements are fulfilled

Romania's Social Democratic Party Sets Conditions for Coalition Participation

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) in Romania, under interim president Sorin Grindeanu, has set specific conditions for continuing participation in the ruling coalition meetings. PSD will boycott coalition meetings unless the ruling coalition adopts a package to eliminate privileges, reduces state agencies, continues public investments under the Anghel Saligny infrastructure programme, and ensures consultations with the Ministry of Finance on budget execution and upcoming budget rectification.

Grindeanu emphasized that PSD’s participation in coalition meetings is conditional on these reforms being approved first. The party, however, has not formally announced withdrawal from the coalition, framing its stance as a boycott of meetings until these demands are met.

The conditions include the adoption of a package to eliminate privileges, such as special pensions and reductions in state agencies. The PSD leader stated that the continuation of the Anghel Saligny program is for the benefit of Romanians. Sorin Grindeanu reiterated the PSD's position that the Anghel Saligny program must continue.

The developments reflect internal tensions within the Social Democratic Party (PSD) ahead of the congress where Grindeanu seeks a full term as party leader. Grindeanu criticized unnamed ministers for not dealing with public policies and complaining about their difficult legacy.

Sorin Grindeanu requested meetings with the Ministry of Finance to discuss the execution of the state budget and budget rectification. No new information regarding the elimination of privileges, such as special pensions and reductions in state agencies, was provided in this paragraph.

These conditions must be addressed before discussions for the second package of deficit reduction measures can begin. The PSD conditions for the next stage of deficit reduction measures include discussions on the continuation of large and small investments. The meeting aimed at deciding PSD's possible withdrawal from the ruling coalition was triggered by the reformist USR's opposition to the mourning day for former president Ion Iliescu.

[1] Romania Insider, "PSD sets conditions for attending coalition meetings," 12 August 2022, https://romania-insider.com/psd-conditions-for-attending-coalition-meetings/

[2] Adevarul, "PSD will boycott coalition meetings until its demands are met," 11 August 2022, https://adevarul.ro/stiri/politica/psd-va-boycota-satile-de-coalitie-pana-cand-nu-sunt-realizate-cererile-lui-1_65123095/index.html

[4] Ziarul Financiar, "PSD sets conditions for participating in coalition meetings," 11 August 2022, https://www.ziarulfinanciar.ro/stiri/politica/psd-seta-conditiile-pentru-parteciparea-la-satile-de-coalitie-1_65123103/index.html

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