August M
The Romanian Parliament is expected to face heightened political tension next week as lawmakers prepare for a decisive vote on the government’s newly proposed fiscal reform package.
Former prime minister Victor Ponta announced on Facebook that he had already endorsed the motion.
He argued that the initiative, launched by more than 22 unaffiliated MPs, responds to what he called the “danger to Romania” posed by USR’s influence over foreign affairs, defence, economic portfolios and state-owned companies.
Ponta said the signatories were committing to support any government that “frees Romania from the USR octopus”.
He added that many PSD and PNL members privately shared these concerns but were constrained by party discipline.
The struggle against what he described as an “anti-Romanian group” would be long but essential, he wrote, calling it a fight for “freedom, dignity, prosperity,” and Romania’s future, notes News.ro.
Senator Ninel Peia, from the Peace–Romania First group, said the motion titled “Romania is not for sale – a government without USR” has gathered 119 signatures and is backed by AUR, with plans to submit it on Friday at noon, news.ro reported.
Coalition leaders reject speculation
Romania’s government is bracing for a no-confidence challenge after opposition MPs declared they had secured enough signatures to file a motion of censure.
The move escalates a growing political confrontation over the role of USR in the coalition and the government’s move to assume responsibility on a key justice reform.
UDMR president Kelemen Hunor said a successful vote from within the coalition would signal its collapse, but maintained he had no indication that partners wished to bring down the government. ‘He called motions of censure a normal constitutional tool, adding that debate would likely occur next week.
Constitutional mechanism explained
According to News.ro, the motion follows the government’s decision to assume responsibility before both chambers on legislation modifying retirement conditions for magistrates.
Under Article 114 of the constitution, the government is dismissed if a censure motion filed within three days is subsequently approved by parliament.
If the cabinet survives, the draft law — including any accepted amendments — is considered adopted, and the policy commitments presented become binding. Should the president request re-examination, the law returns to a joint session of both chambers.
Sources: news.ro.
