Crin Antonescu argues that the break-up of the USL was caused by Victor Ponta, who entered into a hidden deal with Traian Basescu, thus compromising the alliance

Antonescu says that Victor Ponta preferred a hidden combination, in contradiction with the political commitments undertaken by the USL, which led to the break-up of the alliance. He mentions a promise of succession for Ponta at the end of Băsescu's mandate, involving figures such as George Maior and Elena Udrea. Antonescu believes that Ponta has compromised his chances and Klaus Iohannis has become the unexpected winner in this context. USL, formed in 2011, broke up in 2014, when Ponta ran for president.