Traian Băsescu: AUR votes could allow the formation of a government without the party entering the Executive

Former President Traian Băsescu maintains that the votes of AUR lawmakers could be decisive for the investiture of a new government, without the party led by George Simion joining the Executive. The statement was made on Wednesday evening on B1 TV, amid the political deadlock and the consultations convened by President Nicușor Dan to nominate a candidate for the office of prime minister.

Băsescu stated that Romania urgently needs a government with full powers, citing the risks to public finances, access to loans, the budget revision, and the financing of the healthcare system. He said that the parties might accept parliamentary support from AUR, even if the party were not brought into government.

The former head of state criticized AUR's exclusion from the negotiations and argued that some lawmakers might vote for the new Executive to avoid early elections. He accused PSD and PNL of hypocrisy, stating that AUR's votes had already been used in Parliament in certain situations.

AUR's official position, however, is different. The party's leader, Petrișor Peiu, stated that the party would not vote for a government of which it is not a part and that it wants a substantial portion of its own program included, as well as the position of prime minister.