The liberals' warning to the PSD regarding the adoption of the budget. Amendments should not be “negotiated behind the scenes”
The PNL warns the social democrats not to support amendments to the budget that would involve an increase in spending without first being discussed in the coalition. Liberals fear that the PSD could pass the amendments through behind-the-scenes negotiations or imposed by “surprise votes”.
“The National Liberal Party warns the PSD not to turn the budget debate into a political exercise and to respect the rules established within the governing coalition. Romania can no longer afford political games made with public money,” the PNL press release says.
Liberals recall the constraints related to the reduction of the budget deficit and claim that the 6.2% target will make Romania credible in front of creditors and European partners.
The Liberals invoke the political agreement of the coalition
“Given that we are experiencing major disruptions in the fuel and financial markets as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, which can lead to increased inflation and reduced economic growth, prudence and responsibility should guide us all”, is another argument invoked by the PNL.
A possible increase in budget expenditures would result in an increase in public debt, higher interest rates on state loans and damage to Romania's credibility in front of international financial institutions.
The Liberals also mention Article 19 of the coalition's political agreement which stipulates that “no initiative or vote involving increases in budget spending can take place without the prior approval of the Coalition leadership.”
“PNL draws attention to the fact that the amendments to the budget must be discussed within the Coalition and assumed by the Government supported by the parliamentary majority, not negotiated behind the scenes or imposed by surprise votes in Parliament”, the quoted source added.
PSD leadership meeting
Sorin Grindeanu called an extended meeting of the PSD leadership for Sunday, from 16.00. The social democratic leaders will decide whether or not to vote on the budget in Parliament. However, members of the management say that the meeting will only be a formality, in the idea that the decision to vote on the budget has already been made, but that the consultation will follow in which they will decide whether they will continue to support the prime minister.
PSD parliamentarians are ready to submit amendments to the draft budget. They will discuss them in Sunday's meeting. They basically want to insert into the project the requirements that were not respected – such as the allocation of funds for the solidarity package and that they will thus force Bolojan's hand.
The PSD leaders that Hotnews spoke to say that they are not counting on AUR votes to pass these changes because, on the one hand, no parliamentarian will vote against amendments that help people. On the other hand, “if AUR votes for our amendments, what will I say to them? Don't vote?”, says one of the PSD leaders.
