Coalition Fractures as PSD Walks Out of PMB Election Discussion; Hunor and Bolojan Express Disappointment
Bucharest, Romania – October 14, 2024 – Tensions flared within Romania’s governing coalition today as teh Social Democratic Party (PSD) abruptly left a session focused on the Bucharest mayoral election, prompting reactions from key political figures Kelemen Hunor of the Hungarian Democratic Alliance of Romania (UDMR) and Ioan Bolojan of the National Liberal Party (PNL). The walkout signals a deepening rift over candidate support in the upcoming election, potentially destabilizing the coalition government.
The PSD’s departure from the meeting, convened to discuss strategies for the November local elections, notably the race for bucharest’s mayor, underscores disagreements over potential candidates. Current Bucharest interim mayor Stelian Bujduveanu (PNL) assumed the position following Nicușor Dan’s election as President of Romania in May. Recent polling indicates a tight race between PSD candidate Gabriela Firea and PNL’s Sebastian Burduja, with both candidates currently in a statistical tie. The outcome of the Bucharest mayoral election is considered crucial, not only for the capital city but also as a bellwether for national political sentiment.
Kelemen Hunor expressed disappointment with the PSD’s move, stating the party’s exit hindered constructive dialog.Ioan Bolojan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach within the coalition to ensure a successful outcome in the local elections. the immediate future of the coalition remains uncertain as the parties navigate these internal divisions.
