Save Romania Union (USR) Spokesperson Cristina Pruna on Thursday said that the Social Democratic Party (PSD) decision to withdraw from discussions for forming the Executive represents a „flight from responsibility” in the context of the „budget disaster” Romania is facing.

„Romania still needs reforms. We knew it was a budget disaster, and it seems that, here we are, PSD and Marcel Ciolacu are fleeing from the responsibility of governing. The only way forward is through reforms, not raising taxes – because that would put even more pressure on the people who honestly work in this country – and, obviously, reducing public spending, something that, from the discussions we’ve had so far, has not been agreed upon,” Cristina Pruna told AGERPRES.

She mentioned that there will be a discussion within the USR leadership following the announcement made by the leader of the Social Democrats, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.

„As for the decision, we need to have a discussion within the leadership body,” Cristina Pruna clarified.

In his turn, Cristian Ghinea, the coordinator of the USR Public Policy Department, criticised Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu for „taking the toys and leaving,” leaving behind a 9% budget deficit and „a pile of unpaid bills” after his term.

„Marcel, ‘the statesman,’ leaves a 9% budget deficit + a pile of unpaid bills. Now he takes the toys and leaves for a bit so someone can fix what Nicu, Klaus, and Marcel have broken in the coalition. (…) The problem is the budget. And those who put him in charge,” Cristian Ghinea wrote on his Facebook page.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced on Thursday that the Social Democratic Party is withdrawing from discussions for forming the Executive and will vote in Parliament for a right-wing government.

AGERPRES