Romania’s former ruling parties signaled early support for the prime minister-designate, Luca Niculescu, and his attempt to form a government, raising the chances of an end to months of political deadlock.
The Social Democrats are ready to back the bid, the leader of the biggest party in parliament, Sorin Grindeanu said, as long as two of his previous partners in the ruling alliance — the Liberals and the party of ethnic Hungarians — commit to doing the same.
In response, the Liberals said they would be open to voting in a new government, but wouldn’t take part in it.
The more constructive tone suggests Romania’s pro-European parties are growing more willing to find a way out of the political stalemate, which has brought the country to the verge of losing its investment grade rating and helped plunge the economy into prolonged stagnation.
The deadlock has boosted support for the far-right, which opinion polls show as the favorite to win the next general election. President Nicusor Dan now has the option of calling a snap vote after his two attempts to install a prime minister failed in parliament.
Niculescu, a diplomat with no political affiliation, said Thursday that he is yet to decide whether to propose a technocratic government as he continues talks with parties to reconcile their proposals. The Liberals said they don’t want to take positions in the eventual cabinet, while the Social Democrats haven’t ruled that out.
Romania will respect fiscal pledges to narrow the budget deficit, the prime minister-designate told reporters.
“We’ll continue the good work, improve some measures that need improvement and ensure that any fiscal easing doesn’t affect the financial commitments we’ve made,” Niculescu said.
The prime minister-designate should aim to secure a clear majority in parliament that includes the Liberals and the ethnic Hungarians party, Grindeanu said after meeting with Niculescu.
The agreement should deliver a government that will be able to pass a budget for next year and take measures to boost the economy, he said.
The Liberals continue to refuse to formally re-enter a coalition with the Social Democrats, who brought down the previous ruling alliance in May, ushering in the current crisis.
“The Liberal party doesn’t intend to take part in this government,” leader Ilie Bolojan said. “But we are open to giving a vote to install the government, considering the needs of the country.”