Romanian political figures address party tensions and ethnic accusations

Political tensions and disputes are surfacing within the Romanian political landscape involving various parties and local officials.

In Gorj, Ion Bîrcă, the mayor of Turburea, has dismissed claims of internal friction within the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Responding to reports of dissatisfaction among mayors regarding decision-making processes, Bîrcă asserted that the party atmosphere remains positive. He suggested that rumors of tension are “smoke screens” manufactured by political opponents to undermine the party's stability, noting that local grievances are primarily focused on budget rectifications and the current government.

Separately, AUR deputy Laura Gherasim has criticized Antal Árpád, the mayor of Sfântu Gheorghe, following an interview in which he suggested the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) might be “anti-Hungarian.” Gherasim rejected the characterization, arguing that AUR's mandate comes from Romanian voters and accusing the UDMR of using ethnic divisions to protect its long-standing political influence. She emphasized that the party maintains positive relationships with the Hungarian community in Romania.