Romanian President Nicușor Dan faces political isolation as Ilie Bolojan tightens grip on PNL

President Nicușor Dan, whose rise was built on the image of an independent reformer, has seen his credibility erode after losing the backing of a strong party structure. Editorials note that his lack of a party base leaves him vulnerable in the presidency, where diplomatic skill and a professional team are essential.

At the same time, Ilie Bolojan, the owner of the Digi media group, has consolidated power within the National Liberal Party (PNL). Recent changes to the party’s statutes allow Bolojan to act with unprecedented authority, prompting comparisons to former authoritarian leaders. A protest in Victory Square, organized by obscure NGOs, targeted Dan and was portrayed as a reaction to the DNA summons of Ciprian Ciucu and the court loss of Dominic Fritz.

Analysts argue that Dan’s “independent” reputation, once a political asset, has become a liability, exposing him to criticism that he is now captured by the system he promised to challenge.