UDMR willing to vote for a government led by Luca Niculescu, but without negotiations with AUR and S.O.S.

UDMR could vote for a government led by Luca Niculescu, nominated by President Nicușor Dan for the position of prime minister, if he manages to form a parliamentary majority without negotiations with AUR and S.O.S. Romania. The statement was made by UDMR parliamentary group leader Csoma Botond after consultations at Cotroceni Palace.

Csoma Botond described Luca Niculescu as a career diplomat and a serious person, saying he could secure the party’s support. However, UDMR does not want to join the future government. The party could support an executive built around the PSD, but considers the participation of the PNL or the assumption of a liberal majority necessary as well.

Luca Niculescu, a secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was nominated prime minister on Monday evening, following a new round of consultations. Nicușor Dan said his choice was based on his negotiating experience and his work in Romania’s accession process to the OECD.

The nomination is the fourth attempt to form a government following the dismissal of the Bolojan Cabinet on May 5. Previous proposals—Eugen Tomac, Adrian Veștea and Siegfried Mureșan—did not lead to the installation of an executive with full powers.

PSD continues to support Sorin Grindeanu for the position of prime minister, while AUR and USR are calling for snap elections. PNL rules out governing alongside PSD, but says it will examine solutions to overcome the deadlock. The president is, for now, rejecting the option of snap elections and insists on the rapid formation of a government that would adopt the budget rectification and next year’s budget.