Victor Ponta announces his intention to become prime minister during consultations at Cotroceni Palace for the appointment of the new head of government

Victor Ponta has announced his intention to become prime minister, amid consultations at Cotroceni Palace to appoint a head of government. The former prime minister says President Nicușor Dan has “someone to appoint” and cites the legitimacy of the 1.3 million votes he received in last year’s presidential election.

Ponta said Thursday, after a meeting with PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu, that, if appointed, he would hold talks with all parliamentary groups except USR. He did not ask Grindeanu to support him and said the decision on the nomination belongs to the president.

A government needs 233 votes to win a vote of confidence. Asked where he could obtain them, Ponta said he is counting on lawmakers who understand that Romania is “on the brink” and that rapid measures are needed to relaunch the economy and ensure stability and predictability.

Victor Ponta is serving his fifth term in Parliament. He entered the legislature as a PSD deputy and is currently a member of the United for Romania parliamentary group. He is awaiting the president’s decision and announced that he will subsequently discuss the next steps with his colleagues in the group.