Romanian PNL leaders clash over government collapse and early elections

Internal tensions are rising within Romania’s National Liberal Party (PNL) following the fall of the government led by Ilie Bolojan. Alin Tișe, President of the Cluj County Council, has criticized the party leadership, alleging that PNL has been “held captive” by Bolojan and his inner circle for approximately 150 days. Tișe claims this leadership is intentionally maintaining a state of political crisis to avoid forming a new coalition that would include the PSD.

Tișe further warned that the party risks electoral backlash and potential disappearance if it continues its current trajectory, suggesting that the PNL has effectively “surrendered” to the USR. He noted that citizens may react violently in upcoming elections due to dissatisfaction with tax increases and deficit adjustment measures.

In response, Ilie Bolojan denied that the collapse of his government was a failure, describing it instead as a completed constitutional procedure. Bolojan argued that the current situation necessitates a choice: either the President must quickly nominate a new prime minister or convene early elections to resolve the period of uncertainty. He denied having a pre-arranged plan with Nicușor Dan to trigger early elections through the government's fall.