Băsescu Commends Bolojan‘s Resolve,Urges Stronger Stance Against PSD on Bucharest Elections
Former Romanian President Traian Băsescu publicly expressed admiration for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s determination,while together criticizing what he perceives as a deferential approach to the Social democratic Party (PSD). Băsescu’s comments,made recently,centered on bolojan’s handling of stalled Bucharest city Hall election scheduling and broader coalition dynamics.
Băsescu stated, “It seems to know what he wants and for that I admire him. And the inflexibility I admire.” Though,he sharply contrasted this admiration with disapproval of Bolojan’s reported willingness to resign if demands aren’t met by coalition partners. “No, sir, you’re a prime minister! What do you ask for? You have a discussion with them, after which you signed the document and sent it to Parliament. ‘I take obligation for this document together with the whole government.’ Then let’s see who will dare to get the government!” he asserted.
The former president specifically criticized the ongoing negotiations surrounding the date for Bucharest City Hall elections, arguing Bolojan should utilize his authority to enforce the legal obligation to schedule them. Băsescu lamented what he views as a weakening of democratic processes in Romania, citing last year’s combination of local and European Parliament elections as “a disaster.” He believes the current coalition has failed to learn from past electoral issues.
Băsescu also expressed skepticism regarding potential joint candidacies from the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Save Romania Union (USR) for the Bucharest mayoral race, suggesting ambitions are too high for both PNL’s Ciprian Ciucu and USR. He further estimated that USR candidate Radu Băluță is unlikely to win the Capital City Hall. He also pointed to PSD’s alleged attempts to “stimulate non-observance of democratic elections.”
