President Nicușor Dan faces stalemate as parties clash over formation of new Romanian government

President Nicușor Dan announced on Facebook that the political deadlock has returned after the National Liberal Party (PNL) reversed its pledge to support a minoritarian PSD government. The president had previously identified a single viable formula – a PSD‑led minoritary cabinet – but PNL’s change left the negotiations at Cotroceni without a clear path.

Negotiations involve PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR. Proposals discussed include a PNL‑USR‑UDMR minoritarian government, a rotating arrangement between the right‑wing bloc and PSD, and the nomination of Sorin Grindeanu as premier. Crin Antonescu and other PNL figures have denounced the suggestion of Siegfried Mureșan as prime‑minister, calling it “sinister” and warning it could jeopardise Romania’s partnership with the United States.

Tensions have escalated with public exchanges: Dan wrote, “Am revenit la blocajul politic pe care marţi îl credeam depășit,” accusing Ilie Bolojan of causing the impasse. AUR has threatened to demand the president’s suspension and has suggested participation in the next cabinet as a solution. Parallel legal battles within PNL over the June 21 congress decisions add further complexity. With the parliamentary session ending in late August and 233 votes needed for investiture, the stalemate threatens the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and could lead to early elections.