site.btaRomania's Social Democratic Party to Stay in Government, Sets Conditions to Coalition Partners

Romania's Social Democratic Party (PSD) will stay in government but has set several conditions to its coalition partners, local media reported after Monday's meeting of the party's National Permanent Bureau.

PSD's interim president, Sorin Grindeanu, announced that the Social Democrats want a package eliminating privileges to be adopted as soon as possible. "We want to see clear measures on both staff cuts and investments," said Grindeanu.

He also stated that PSD is requesting meetings with the Finance Minister for an update on budget implementation and to discuss the budget after recent adjustments. In his words, some education-related measures also need to be reconsidered.

Party representatives said they would not support any major government decision in Parliament unless the coalition partners are in full agreement.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan expressed hope that the Social Democrats would not leave the government, telling Antena 3 television that political stability is an important indicator by which a country is assessed.

The rift in the ruling coalition arose over the declaration of a national day of mourning for former Romanian President Ion Iliescu. The Save Romania Union, founded by current president Nicușor Dan, opposed the move, and none of its members attended the funeral. Tensions escalated to the point that PSD MP Voicu Vuscan announced he would table a motion of no confidence in the government, while another PSD member of the Chamber of Deputies, Marius Budai, said that if that happened, he and other left-wing colleagues would vote in favour.

Bolojan's Cabinet was sworn in on June 23. A month later, Deputy Prime Minister Dragos Anastasiu, who was responsible for the reform of state-owned companies, resigned.