Romanian leaders sign coalition for stability and modernization
Leaders of the PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR, and representatives of national minorities signed a joint resolution on Wednesday to form "a coalition for stability and modernization" and to "reaffirm Romania's European and Euro-Atlantic trajectory."
The announcement was made by Ilie Bolojan, interim president of the PNL, according to Agerpres. "We, the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union, the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania, and representatives of national minorities, as pro-European political parties, have agreed today to form a future coalition that will ensure governmental stability and implement tangible measures for modernizing Romania, for the benefit of all citizens."
"We reaffirm our commitment to uphold and strengthen Romania's dedication to European and Euro-Atlantic values and partnerships as pillars of national security and prosperity," said Bolojan at the Palace of Parliament.
He added that the aforementioned parties take responsibility for preventing Romania's international isolation, promoting a steady pace of economic development, and safeguarding the country's European trajectory, including the absorption of EU funds, PNRR reforms, and accession to the Schengen Area and OECD.
"I urge all Romanian citizens to participate in the upcoming election on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Vote informed and rationally, choose a pro-European, democratic, and secure Romania, and reject isolationism, extremism, and populism."
Bolojan concluded, "I would like to inform you that we have agreed to begin discussions on the governance program and future government projects next week, while focusing on the presidential election campaign until Sunday."
The joint resolution was signed by Sorin Grindeanu (PSD), Ilie Bolojan (PNL), Dominic Fritz (USR), Cseke Attila (UDMR), and Varujan Pambuccian (the minority group representatives).
On Wednesday, PSD leader Marcel Ciolacu announced, following the declassification of CSAT documents revealing that "undeclared foreign funding was used in Călin Georgescu's electoral campaign," that he supports Elena Lasconi in the second round of the presidential election.
"We have acknowledged the declassification of CSAT documents that indicate Mr. Călin Georgescu's electoral campaign used undeclared foreign funding and reveal patterns suggesting the involvement of state actors!"
"I was unable to discuss these documents publicly as I adhered to the law. Nonetheless, one thing is certain: in the electoral competition, I was most impacted by the way Mr. Călin Georgescu artificially boosted his exposure, circumventing legal regulations."
"I hope that, based on the evidence published today, state authorities will fulfill their duty and hold all those responsible accountable," Ciolacu wrote on Facebook.
It is worth mentioning that Romanian President Klaus Iohannis declassified the documents from the most recent session of the Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT) regarding Călin Georgescu's campaign.
According to the Romanian Intelligence Service, nearly 800 TikTok accounts created in 2016 for Georgescu were identified, maintained, and activated to full capacity during the presidential election campaign. Additionally, TikTok admitted receiving $381,000 during Georgescu's campaign.
Details about Georgescu's disqualified campaign: The TikTok accounts' activities were reportedly coordinated by a "state actor."
The Central Electoral Bureau officially announced on Wednesday that seven political parties had met the electoral threshold for parliamentary representation, including PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR, and others.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
