site.btaNewly Elected Romanian President Nicusor Dan Holds First Press Conference Since Taking Office

Romania’s newly elected President Nicușor Dan held his first press conference since assuming office. The event was broadcast live online and lasted nearly an hour and a half. It took place in the context of ongoing consultations on forming a new government and discussions on reducing the budget deficit.

The newly elected head of state addressed key domestic and foreign policy issues, commenting on matters such as judicial reform, the need for changes in the leadership of intelligence services, increasing defense spending, support for Moldova’s integration, and more.

The New Prime Minister, Future Government, and Budget Deficit

Nicușor Dan stated that he wants the first draft of the new government's program to be ready by Monday. He added that the name of the new prime minister had not yet been discussed, although the idea of appointing a technocratic prime minister was considered. According to him, forming the new government will take about two weeks. He emphasized the importance of clarifying differences between coalition parties on sensitive issues before finalizing the government's structure.

“I welcome the willingness of the SDP (Social Democratic Party), NLP (National Liberal Party), USR (Save Romania Union), UDMR (Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania), and the minority group to take part in forming the government. We have not discussed names yet. We have focused on the budget deficit, which is our main issue,” the Romanian President added.

He announced the creation of a working group, which will present an initial proposal for reducing the budget deficit tomorrow [Thursday], after which the real political discussions will begin.

“We are in a practical situation where we need to take quick action. We cannot afford experiments or early elections. We must work with the parliament as voted by the Romanian people,” the President stated.

VAT Increase

When asked whether he still maintains his position that VAT will not be increased, President Nicușor Dan said that all discussions with pro-Western parties start from that assumption.

Administrative-Territorial Reorganization

Regarding a possible administrative-territorial reorganization to reduce budget spending, Nicușor Dan explained that real reform could not be implemented before 2028, since mayors and local councilors have been elected for four-year terms by the public.

“Instead, in the second half of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, discussions may begin about the specific functions of county councils,” the Romanian President added.

On the issue of staff reductions across  ministries, the head of state said there is no final assessment yet, but work is underway, and a commission with party representatives has been set up at the level of each ministry.

Combating Tax Evasion

On the topic of potential abuses in fighting tax evasion—particularly in the context of cases where Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) officers were linked to businessmen—the President emphasized the importance of a clear distinction between intelligence agencies and civil authorities. 

“We must ensure that the activity of the [Romanian Intelligence] Service ends with the provision of information and that civil bodies, such as the National Agency for Fiscal Administration and the Prosecutor’s Office, continue their work,” the president added.

Relations with the United States

Regarding a possible official visit to Washington and the resumption of dialogue with the Trump administration, the Romanian President acknowledged that there was a moment of mistrust in the past but believes it has been overcome:

“Moreover, within the framework of the Strategic Partnership with the U.S., we are holding discussions on several levels in the military sphere,” said Nicușor Dan.

In response to a question, he noted that the issue of relocating U.S. troops from Romania has not yet been raised. The new head of state also announced that a decision to increase defense spending will be made next year.

Relations with Ukraine

Regarding support for Ukraine, Nicușor Dan noted that there was no such discussion at the Bucharest-9 (B-9) summit in Vilnius, but quickly added:

“At the level of the authorities and the presidency, it must be explained to the people that Ukraine’s security and Romanian support for Ukraine are issues that directly impact Romania’s security and that of the Republic of Moldova.”

During the press conference, Nicușor Dan also announced that on June 30 he will present part of his advisory team and did not rule out the possibility of retaining some of the advisers of Ilie Bolojan, who served as acting president of Romania. He also mentioned that he has a list of names for leadership positions in the Constitutional Court.