Minister for European Affairs, Victor Negrescu, resigns

Minister for European Affairs, Victor Negrescu, has resigned on Saturday from the Viorica Dăncilă cabinet. The decision comes after the government sitting on Friday, less than two months ahead of Romania taking over the rotating EU presidency.

Victor Negrescu has coordinated the preparations for Romania to take over the presidency of the EU Council as of January 1, 2019.

The resignation of the Minister for European Affairs was confirmed for Digi24 TV private broadcaster by the Minister of European Funds Rovana Plumb. “As I understand, this resignation has occurred. At the Government meeting I talked with Mr. Negrescu, there were key discussions about how we are getting ready for the EU Council presidency,” Rovana Plumb said.

“I think we need political consensus, national consensus. It goes beyond the political spectrum, and in that sense I have already been calling for this for a very long time and I think we have partly succeeded. Why do I tell you these things? Because in the spring of this year we have adopted in Parliament our priorities. There are a lot more than the ones I’ve been able to present before. There are four pillars with concrete projects, with a concrete legislative agenda, that is, measures that people can understand and which will bring real benefits to European citizens,” Victor Negrescu said in an interview.

Victor Negrescu declared he would reserve the right to express his views within the Government and the Social Democratic Party, of which he is member.

“Out of respect for my colleagues and for my responsibilities at both European and national level, which I treat seriously and professionally, I reserve the right to express my views within the Government and the Social Party Democrat,” Victor Negrescu said.

Finance Minister Eugen Teodorovici told Digi24 TV that the resignation of European Affairs Minister Victor Negrescu is “unpleasant surprise” and a “totally unjustified decision” that can also be interpreted as “political immaturity.”

However, Negrescu retorted to Teodorovici that the entire process or preparing Romania’s Presidency to the EU Council is on schedule, both politically and logistically and that preparations belongs to the entire country, and not just to a minister delegate.

“It is interesting that our activity used to be considered a very good one two days ago. It remains to be analysed if the aggressive attack in the mass media just several minutes after a rumour has miraculously appeared off the record, against a Government and party colleague is normal and it represents a real proof of endorsement and collegiality. I don’t have personal stakes! It’s an honour for me to represent Romania,” Negrescu said in a Facebook post