At the PSD Congress, the mayor of Galați, Ionuț Pucheanu, launched a harsh criticism of the AUR party, describing it as being "made of big words, of illusions, unsubstantiated promises." He emphasized that AUR took advantage of the fear and chaos generated by the pandemic to attract votes, but compared the party to a "bubble of soap" that cannot constitute a solid foundation.
Pucheanu stated that PSD has the duty to return to the values that made it strong and respected, such as family, faith, and work. He also mentioned that PSD is not seeking applause or popularity on social media, but is focused on the development of Romania. The Congress also marked a change in doctrine for PSD, which will renounce progressivism in favor of national and traditional values. Sorin Grindeanu is the only candidate for the position of party president.