Romanian President Nicușor Dan summons PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR leaders to resolve government deadlock

President Nicușor Dan has repeatedly called the leaders of the former governing coalition – PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR – to the Cotroceni Palace in an effort to break the current political stalemate. He is preparing two possible solutions: a fully technocratic cabinet or a mixed executive that combines party politicians with technocrats. Sources say the most likely premier candidate being discussed is Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare, a choice that reportedly enjoys tentative support from both the Liberal and Social‑Democratic parties.

Opposition figures such as former premier Victor Ponta and PSD deputy Marius Budăi have warned that the president could become trapped by the PNL‑USR alliance if a parliamentary majority cannot be secured. The interim government, which lacks full powers, has also been criticised for being unable to approve key labour‑union demands, fueling an upcoming health‑sector strike. Dan has emphasized that early elections are “unlikely” and that a new government should be sworn in during an extraordinary parliamentary session around 20 July, when legislation for the PNRR projects is to be voted.

The negotiations remain delicate, with parties refusing to include AUR in any coalition and each side accusing the others of inflexibility. Dan’s next round of talks is expected in the coming days, aiming to produce a concrete majority scenario before a premier is nominated.