Traian Băsescu claims that Sorin Grindeanu does not want the prime minister’s office, while the PSD wants to return to government to gain access to funds

Former President Traian Băsescu claims that PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu does not truly want the position of prime minister, but that the party wants to return to government to gain access to public funds intended for local administrations. He made the statement on Wednesday evening on B1 TV, amid political negotiations over the formation of the Government.

According to Băsescu, PSD mayors have reached the end of their patience because the party no longer controls ministries through which it could direct money to local administrations. He said that extending Ilie Bolojan’s interim tenure and funding PSD mayors’ offices could complicate the Social Democrats’ electoral situation.

In the former president’s view, the “stakes of the PSD’s return to government” would be maintaining the support of mayors for the party. Băsescu also claimed that Grindeanu would not be “very happy” to become prime minister, although the PSD wants to return to power.

Recently, Sorin Grindeanu said that he expected to be designated by President Nicușor Dan to form the Government and that he would hold talks with all parliamentary parties to secure the necessary majority.