The calculations of the anti-Bolojan camp. Who are the PNL MPs willing to vote for a Vestea government: “We have as many as we need”
The anti-Bolojan camp of the PNL is doing the calculations for remaining in government with Adrian Veștea as prime minister. The current scenario, according to political sources involved, is for a part of the PNL parliamentarians to vote for a government together with PSD, UDMR, minorities, as well as the other groups, but with the exception of AUR and SOS.
If encouraging messages came from the PSD, the people around Vestea are also waiting for a signal from the UDMR. If Kelemen Hunor's formation will also be willing to negotiate, then the minimum number of votes that such a government would need would be nine.
“We have as many PNL parliamentarians as it takes for a government led by Adrian Veștea to pass. I think there are more than those around Ilie Bolojan, maybe even thirty, but we'll see. There's still time until the vote. But we have as many as we need,” said a source who preferred to remain anonymous, due to the sensitivity of the subject.
What a leader from the Bolojan camp says
On the other side, it is not excluded that some PNL parliamentarians will vote for a government led by the prime minister-designate in the person of the liberal first vice-president.
“Most likely, on Monday we will decide not to support such a formula. However, it is not excluded that some elected officials will get up from the benches to vote, even if they will be excluded. They will not be many, but maybe enough”, said a PNL leader from Bolojan's camp, also preferring confidentiality.
The PNL has so far made several decisions not to vote for a PSD government or a government of which the PSD is a part. Also, the only option for prime minister at the moment is Ilie Bolojan.
The news speaks of 240 votes
Adrian Veștea declared on Sunday evening, in his first appearance on TV as designated prime minister, that “calculations have been made” that show that the necessary votes for the investiture are secured.
“From what I understand, the number of parliamentarians today ensures the possibility of passing this Government. Calculations have been made and I am assured that we will have more than 240 votes”, said Adrian Veștea. He did not give details about the political support he relies on, but he also talked about “speculation that the PNL will break up”.
What the parliamentary math shows
233 votes are needed for the new government to pass the parliament vote. At the moment, PSD, UDMR, minorities, unaffiliated and the PACE and Uniti Pentru Romania groups together have 224 votes. Only nine votes would be needed to reach the required 233. These can come from PNL, AUR or SOS MPs.
Structure of parliamentary groups:
- PSD – 127 MPs
- GOLD – 90 MPs
- PNL – 76 parliamentarians
- USR – 59 parliamentarians
- UDMR – 31 parliamentarians
- Minorities – 17 parliamentarians
- United for Romania – 15 parliamentarians
- SOS – 15 parliamentarians
- Unaffiliated – 23 parliamentarians
- PACE – 11 parliamentarians
The PNL parliamentarians who publicly announced their support for Vestea
Several parliamentarians showed their support for the designated prime minister Adrian Veștea.
Aneta Matei, deputy PNL-Giurgiu: “We are going through a moment that requires clear and assumed decisions. Therefore, I believe that the solution to overcoming this crisis is a political one and a PNL one, and supporting Adrian Veștea is an important step in this direction” (source: Facebook)
Ion Iordache, deputy and president of PNL Gorj: “His experience in local and central administration, the balance and decency that have characterized him over time recommend him for this great responsibility. I wish him much success in his mission to lead the Government of Romania and the power to make the best decisions for the development of our country” (source: Facebook)
Răzvan Prișca, deputy PNL Bucharest: “I am a PNL deputy and I support Adrian Veștea. Romania can no longer afford to prolong the political crisis for the sake of personal pride. Romania needs a government. Not tomorrow, not after other rounds of sterile negotiations, but now. The appointed Prime Minister Adrian Veștea is the most suitable man for this complicated moment. 30 years in the PNL” (source: Facebook)
Monica Anisie, Bucharest senator: “The National Liberal Party has the duty to ensure governmental continuity through effective measures. In this crucial context, I welcome the appointment of Adrian Veștea for the position of Prime Minister of Romania and I wish him much success on this path full of responsibility towards the Romanians! It is time for a functional government, led by a prime minister focused on performance, who knows firsthand the problems of the communities” ((source: Facebook)
Alexandru Popa, deputy and president of PNL Brăila: “I don't know what was behind the president's decision, but certainly Adrian Veștea is a good option” (source: statement for HotNews)
Rusu Sebastian, Deputy Brașov: “I think that Brașov deserves to give Romania a prime minister who understands the administration from the ground up, who knows how to work with the authorities and state institutions, manage budgets and build majorities around important objectives for Romania.” (source: Facebook)
George Scarlat, MP Galați: “His experience and administrative expertise, balance and capacity for dialogue, the desire to continue the reforms started by the Bolojan Government, recommend him to assume responsibility, at a time when #Romania needs balance, cohesion and the assumption of the continuation of the Governance Program started in 2025, the position of #Prime Minister” (source: Facebook)
Ionut Stroe, Bucharest deputy: “Adrian Veștea is a serious man, with a political career started from the bottom. 30 years of genuine liberalism, 3 times mayor, 3 mandates as president of the CJ and former Minister of Development” (source: Antena 3 CNN)
Sorin Cîmpeanu, Bucharest senator: “He is an old liberal. I think everyone agrees that Adrian Veștea is in line with the pro-Western policy, with the policy of supporting the PNRR, of joining the OECD, of supporting the SAFE Program and with all the major objectives of the PNL. So, from this perspective, he is a very suitable man. In addition, he has been a member of the PNL for 30 years” (source: Digi24)
