
7 days · 11 summary articles
Romania’s National Liberal Party (PNL) convened an extraordinary congress on Sunday at Romexpo in Bucharest, where 1,793 delegates gathered to consolidate the leadership of incumbent president Ilie Bolojan and approve his “Modernization with Roots” motion amid high tension and competing political signals. The event, broadcast live amid reports of nearly 700 absentees, unfolded as premier-designate Adrian Veștea announced his proposed minister for European funds, Florin Zaharia, just minutes before proceedings began, underscoring the party’s fractured relationship with the executive.
Senator Gabriela Horga was formally proposed as vice-president of Bolojan’s team, telling delegates she was assuming the role “with seriousness and responsibility” and insisting the party must remain united, strong, and credible to deliver real solutions and honor public trust . Her appointment comes as critics within the party, including prominent figure Hubert Thuma, accuse Bolojan of “USR-izing” the PNL by assembling a leadership of newcomers who only recently discovered their liberal identity .
Veștea, who was designated premier by President Klaus Iohannis without consulting the PNL, used his Facebook page to confirm a meeting with Zaharia, a respected professional slated to lead the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, emphasizing that a swift investiture is essential to maintain the flow of EU funds into Romania . The announcement, made during the congress, highlighted the widening rift between the party’s organizational wing and the government it has been asked to support.
Former PNL leader Ludovic Orban signaled a possible return to the party, telling journalists he is “convinced” he can contribute to its future and that talks on a merger protocol with his Force of the Right movement will follow the congress . Veteran senator Vasile Blaga lamented the exodus of prominent figures, remarking that “dust and ashes” remain after successive departures, including that of former premier Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu .
Outside the congress hall, AUR reiterated its call for snap elections, with senator Petrișor Peiu arguing that any government formed now would only prolong the political crisis . Meanwhile, PSD’s Marius Budăi said his party stands ready to provide parliamentary support but only to a government that prioritizes people and places citizens at the heart of decision-making .
As applause greeted Bolojan on stage, deputy party leader Ciprian Ciucu struck a combative tone, accusing unnamed figures of plotting against the leadership while the party was focused on governance . The visual contrast was completed by senator Ovidiu Jitaru’s arrival in a Porsche Panamera valued at over €200,000, which became an immediate social media focal point .