The interim chairman of Save Romania Union (USR), Dominic Fritz, believes that the discussion about the future government will have to be led by the next president of Romania, but also that all Romanians have an interest in the future team at the Victoria Palace reflecting a pro-European majority.

„The discussion about the future government must be led by the future president. And I believe that all Romanians have an interest in this government reflecting a pro-European majority, a majority that also has the trust of the financial markets. There are discussions after May 18. Of course, these discussions will take place based on the mathematical reality in Parliament, where a coalition will be needed to form a government. In general, I do not believe that a minority government is what is needed now in Romania,” he said, in a press conference held at the USR headquarters.

Dominic Fritz stated that if Nicusor Dan wins the presidential elections, USR will also be at the negotiating table. He emphasized, however, that the debate on the government will take place only after May 18th.

„Now I don’t think there’s any point in getting into a debate about ministerial positions and who, from which county, could become secretary of state in I don’t know which ministry. Now, the stakes are much higher. The stakes are Romania, and that’s why all these discussions about power-sharing must follow after May 18,” he added.

Dominic Fritz stated that USR will support Nicusor Dan’s campaign, including by redirecting those who want to donate or borrow money for this purpose.

„In the coming days, in the days when there is no campaign yet, there are no restrictions, really. We will certainly use the resources we have to make our support for him clear. Afterwards, it remains for Nicusor Dan to raise loans and we will certainly use our network to bring loans to his campaign. From last year’s experience, when the USR candidate entered the second round, there will be an emulation. We are already receiving the first calls from many people who want to get involved, who want to donate money, borrow money and we are redirecting them to Nicusr’s campaign,” said the interim leader of USR.

Fritz mentioned that a USR congress will be convened on June 21 to establish the composition of the Arbitration Commission. For now, it has not been determined when the new party leadership will be elected.

„We will discuss with colleagues how we will do it, when we will hold these elections and who will run. I certainly will not make a decision until May 18 and I will not make a decision without having a broad discussion in the party about what the direction and team that should take the party forward is,” he emphasized.

Beyond the „joy” of those who voted for Nicusor Dan, he admitted, there is „some fear and a question mark” as to whether in the next two weeks the gap between George Simion, who obtained over 40% of the votes, and Nicusor Dan, with 20%, can be recovered.

„We cannot afford to be defeatist, we cannot afford to be resigned. We cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand for a second and say, ‘This is it, Romania’s fate is that it will fly out of the EU and NATO and that the economy will collapse with serious consequences for each of us.’ We cannot afford this luxury. From today on, everyone must be mobilized, confident,” he declared.

The mayor of Timisoara also said that Nicusor Dan is relying on those Romanians, representing two-thirds of the population, who consider that EU accession was beneficial from an economic point of view.

„Nicusor Dan is also relying on people in the diaspora, where – even though George Simion won there – I believe that more and more people understand that a vote for George Simion would be a vote that calls into question their own existence in European countries. (…) The goal in the next two weeks is not for six million people to become ecstatic fans of Nicusor Dan. The goal in the next two weeks is for millions of Romanians to understand how their stamp has a direct effect on their lives and I do not believe that we are a nation of suicide bombers,” Dominic Fritz also declared.

AGERPRES