National Liberal Party (PNL) Chairman Nicolae Ciuca criticised the Social Democrats on Tuesday over the nomination of Romania’s candidate for European Commissioner, reiterating that the nomination is not the prerogative of one man, even if he is a prime minister, but it must be made within the governing coalition.

„For me, political maturity means open and objective dialog for Romania’s interests. Unfortunately, PSD [the Social Democratic Party] is in favour of a game that seems more oriented towards its own interests and puts dialog – an absolutely necessary step for consensus and decision – on the last plan. It is not a battle of functions, it is a discussion of principles in a government that should exclusively pursue Romania’s interests. Unfortunately, at the moment, Romania is one of the countries that has not yet proposed a European Commissioner. As the title says, the European Commissioner belongs to Romania – not to the PSD, which seems to understand this less and less. The appointment of a European Commissioner is not the prerogative of a single person, even if he is a prime minister, but it is a decision that must be made in Romania’s interest, within the coalition. It is not a party position, but an essential position for the country in the coming years,” Ciuca wrote on Facebook.

He stressed that, so far, there is no mandate from the coalition for the post of European Commissioner that will go to Romania.

„I am not only referring to his/her name, but also to the portfolio Romania is aiming for,” explained the PNL leader.

In his opinion, Romania could consider the post of European Commissioner for Enlargement and the position of European Commissioner for Agriculture.

He called on the coalition partners „to leave aside immediate political interests.”

„Let’s talk seriously about Romania’s needs, not PSD’s. The electoral campaign will pass, the interest of the Romanian people remains!,” said the PNL chairman.

AGERPRES