Romanian President Nicușor Dan said new consultations with political parties on forming a government will begin on September 1, expressing confidence that a parliamentary majority can be secured for a stable administration after months of political deadlock. He refused to elaborate on the source of his optimism, though.

Speaking in Chișinău on August 27, Dan said he had avoided nominating a prime minister earlier because unsuccessful attempts could have sent a negative signal to international rating agencies. He suggested that the situation had since changed.  

“Now, immediately on September 1, we will have a new consultation [and] we will see whether it is formal or informal, and I believe that we will find a majority for a government that is stable,” Dan said, according to Digi24.

There is, however, another reason for the president's caution in designating a second prime minister candidate: a second failed nomination vote would bring the early elections scenario closer - and this is particularly valid after the 60 days from when the first failed nomination vote expired.

Romania has been without a full-fledged government since May 5, when the Social Democratic Party (PSD) withdrew from the governing coalition, leaving Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s government operating in an interim capacity.

The interim government focused on implementing Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) reforms and maintaining fiscal credibility ahead of sovereign rating reviews. Fitch Ratings reversed a planned downgrade in July after four of the six remaining PNRR reforms had been legislated, while Moody’s took a similar decision a week later, although both agencies highlighted risks surrounding fiscal consolidation.

The government subsequently failed to legislate the Wage Law for the budgetary sector, one of the remaining PNRR milestones, while Parliament approved a new Integrity Law that has drawn criticism from European political groups over rule-of-law concerns.

Dan declined to comment on reports that PSD is considering seeking parliamentary support for a minority government, saying there were “many working hypotheses” and that discussions should remain outside the public sphere until a nomination is made.

Asked whether he could support a technocratic government, Dan said a politically backed cabinet was more likely.

“At this moment I don't see support for a government with technocratic ministers. So a government with political ministers is much more likely,” he said.

Dan said he expected the next round of consultations to determine whether sufficient support exists for a government capable of securing a stable parliamentary majority.