Romanian Political Leader Voices Concerns Over New Deputy Prime Minister’s Past Criticism of US
The appointment of Oana Gheorghiu as deputy prime minister is raising concerns within Romania’s political landscape, notably regarding her previous statements about the trump administration. Sorin Grindeanu, the interim president of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), publicly reaffirmed his reservations on tuesday, suggesting her inclusion in the government could prove detrimental.
Grindeanu addressed the issue directly when questioned about his earlier statements considering Gheorghiu’s appointment.According to reports from Agerpres, he stated, “Obviously. (…) The statement will be serious, but it is indeed correct. I do not take anything back from what I said.”
He acknowledged the decision to move forward wiht Gheorghiu’s nomination, adding, “I saw that the decision was to go forward. (…) It is her lordship’s belief, I respect her, I have no problem with this approach of Mrs. Deputy prime Minister. I congratulate her for what she did at the foundation, but I do not want to mix things up.” However, Grindeanu maintained his core concern, asserting, “I considered and still consider, I have no reason to change my point of view, that her lordship’s arrival in The government, after what it said about the Trump administration, is not something that will do us any good.”
The PSD interim president expressed broader anxieties about the potential political ramifications of having multiple voices within the government critical of the United States. He voiced fears that the PSD’s absence could necessitate a coalition with the AUR party,possibly leading to further instability. “Becuase I’m afraid, and there’s no shadow of politicism in what I’m saying, I and my colleagues are also afraid that if we’re missing, first of all, there can’t be a majority unless AUR also co-opts into this majority, but I’m afraid that things would slip even more. And we can’t allow this,” he explained during an interview on Antena 3.
Grindeanu emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the US, stating, “I would like us to respect the strategic partner that is the United States of America. Let’s respect the administration.” He clarified that while personal opinions regarding past and present administrations – including those led by Trump and Macron – are permissible,a harsh and critical stance taken by an official prior to assuming a government position presents a problem. “But the moment you become official and you are in a position of this,not necessarily critical,but quite abrupt and in which you categorized the first two people in the United States administration quite harshly and you want to become an official of the Romanian Government,even the deputy prime minister,I have a problem with this matter,” he concluded.
Why: Sorin Grindeanu, interim president of the PSD, is voicing concerns about the appointment of Oana Gheorghiu as deputy prime minister due to her past critical statements regarding the Trump administration. He fears this could damage Romania’s relationship with the US and potentially destabilize the government.
Who: Key figures include Sorin Grindeanu (PSD interim president), Oana Gheorghiu (newly appointed deputy prime minister), and the AUR party (a potential coalition partner).
What: The core issue is whether Gheorghiu’s past criticism of the US compromises her ability to effectively represent Romania’s interests and maintain a strong strategic partnership.
How did it end?: As of this report, the appointment of Oana Gheorghiu stands, despite Grindeanu’s continued reservations. The situation remains tense, with Grindeanu warning of potential instability if the PSD withdraws and the government is forced to rely on the AUR party for a majority. The long-term impact on Romanian-US relations remains to be seen.
