President explains PM designation

President Iohannis has giveN the first explanations about designating Viorica Dancila as the PM to replace Mihai Tudose.

Asked about journalists on Tuesday to explain the nomination, although the civil society had asked him not to accept Dancila, the head of state said:

“I talked about this matter on the day of the nomination and I said back then-maybe some thought I only say it just to be polite- I have weighed all arguments and I came to the conclusion this is the option I have to accept.” “The parliamentary majority has recommended the option,” he added.

The President denied accusation he would have stricken a bargain with PSD when he accepted to designate Viorica Dancila. “It’s absurd”, Iohannis commented.

Questioned if his decision to designate the premier has been also influenced by the fact that PNL and USR haven’t come up with a proposal for the PM seat, Iohannis replied: “ When I hosted consultations, I could have called only the ruling coalition. I haven’t done that. I wanted to know the opinion of all parliamentary parties. I admit I would have liked that at least <some would have answered yes> to the question addressed to every opposition group: <have you talked to the others>?”

The President sent another hint to the opposition.

“A democracy, a parliament can work at its best level only if both sides are strong, the ruling power and the opposition. I hope to reach such a parliament, then solutions will definitely come up in parliament and will be demanded from the parliament and not from anywhere else, whereof they cannot emerge.”

As for the announcement made by PSD chair Liviu Dragnea, that people facing legal problems will be able to be part of the Dancila Gov’t, the head of state said: “My stance is well known, unfortunately it is not in the Constitution yet, but I consider we all must an effort to improve this situation, that’s why I proposed the integrity principle to be in the Constitution”.

Questioned if he asked PM-designate Dancila not to name people with legal problems in the Government, Iohannis said that when he talked to her he focused on her person, not on the Gov’t. “We’ll see what team PSD will come up with”.