A first discussion with the leaders of pro-European parties regarding the formation of the new government will take place on Friday, President Nicusor Dan announced.

„I had individual discussions with each party the day before yesterday, which went very well, and yesterday there was a committee, a working group formed of party representatives, which lasted about three and a half to four hours. I was there for the first hour and a half, and it went very well. (…) Friday is the first meeting for forming the government. I mentioned that in parallel, we are also having discussions on the deficit and the government. (…) We all agreed that for the government discussions, so that there are no or as few disagreements later, there must be as comprehensive an agreement as possible. So, this is just the first discussion. There will probably be several more in which we shall agree on how to proceed and how the governing agreement should be written, along with the government programme. This is the first of many talks,” Nicusor Dan said in a press briefing in front of his residence.

He clarified that no government positions will be assigned during Friday’s talks.

When asked if Ilie Bolojan remains the favorite for the position of Prime Minister, the president said he stands by what he said during the electoral campaign.

„There are multiple alternatives on the table,” he replied when asked whether there’s a chance that Social Democratic Party (PSD) might appoint the Prime Minister.

„Still, since we are about to make some tough decisions, the person nominated must have credibility,” Nicusor Dan added.

Regarding the possibility of a rotating premiership, the head of state said: „There are many discussions on the table. I don’t agree with all of them, but I won’t say which ones.”

He also said that the option of a technocratic Prime Minister is also being considered.

Nicusor Dan reiterated his expectation that a government will be formed within two to three weeks.

The technical group will be working daily, aiming to finalise the discussions by the end of next week, the president indicated.

„Absolutely everyone agrees that taxes on labour must not increase. I still believe it is not good to raise taxes. What will happen will be the result of negotiations,” Nicusor Dan said.

AGERPRES