PM Viorica Dăncilă has announced at the beginning of the government sitting on Friday that she had notified the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) in order to solve “the deadlock” created by President Klaus Iohannis by postponing to appoint the new ministers of Transports and Regional Development proposed by the ruling coalition.
“The only uncertain situation at the moment is created by Mr. Iohannis by the deadlock of the two appointments in two major sectors, Transports and Regional Development. I think the political game must stop during this period. We would like to have a successful Presidency of the EU Council and this can be possible only by giving legitimacy to all ministers of the Cabinet. That’s why I have notified CCR to solve this deadlock prompted by the President. I didn’t want this, but Romania’s interest is beyond any ambition, political interest or electoral campaign“, the premier said.
PSD chairman Liviu Dragnea had met PM Viorica Dancila and Lia Olguta Vasilescu (proposed to take over the Regional Development portfolio) in Parliament on Thursday and decided to challenge the head of state’s denial to OK the proposed ministers for the ministries of Transports and Regional Development. The ruling party argues it will tolerate no further delay anymore.
On Wednesday, Liviu Dragnea was saying “an action must be taken” on the reshuffle issue, announcing he will have a meeting with the Prime Minister and with Justice Minister Tudorel Toader. Dragnea explained there had been a debate inside the party agreeing on a referral to the CCR, but “the prime minister will have the final call”.
In his turn, Justice minister Toader said early this week that the appeal to CCR on the reshuffle had already been drafted.
President Iohannis said on Wednesday evening that he had not concluded the review on the reshuffle yet. As for the gridlock claimed by the ruling coalition as the ministers’ resignations become effective, Iohannis replied: “The solution is in PSD’s courtyard, they have no choice but coming up with performing people”.
The head of state said that by looking at the social-democrats’ proposals and their behavior he has reached a conclusion: “The PSD led by Dragnea is not capable of generating an efficient government.”