Sources in Bucharest say President Nicușor Dan has decided to end the series of failed attempts to form a pro-European government. He is now preparing to dissolve Parliament.
Despite his diplomatic experience and non-partisan background, Luca Niculescu appears to have failed to untangle the web of party rivalries. He has also failed to reach an acceptable compromise with the leaders of pro-European factions.
The president has now said he will not nominate a fifth candidate for prime minister. If Niculescu’s government fails to win a majority on Thursday, Dan is ready to dissolve Parliament and call new elections as early as Friday.
This move could be a tactical ploy. It may be intended to push the stubborn factions toward a compromise. However, Sorin Grindeanu, leader of the largest and least flexible Social Democratic Party, has already said his party is disappointed with the nomination of Grindeanu as a candidate. He added that the party is ready for new elections.
Political Crisis Threatens Romania’s Economy
Romania also faces another problem. The prolonged political crisis has already begun to affect the economy. Any further escalation could trigger a chain reaction.
Grindeanu appears to understand the risks. He is already trying to blame his unyielding rivals for the economic problems that may follow. The Social Democrat leader has suddenly called for the old coalition to be restored. He says this could happen “if the liberals and the Hungarians moderate their demands.” Yet he was the one who broke up that coalition.
Meanwhile, George Simion, leader of the sovereigntist camp, stands apart from the noisy political fight and watches with apparent satisfaction. His party’s poll ratings continue to rise as the crisis unfolds.
