“We formed this coalition in December with two objectives: a stable government and electing a winning presidential candidate. We have failed at one of those goals,” Ciolacu told lawmakers on Monday. He proposed PSD’s exit from the coalition, triggering his own departure.
PSD ministers will remain in office on an interim basis until a new coalition is negotiated after the second round on May 18, Ciolacu said, adding that PSD will back no candidate in the run-off.
The junior National Liberal Party (PNL) swiftly threw its support behind Nicușor Dan, the independent former Bucharest mayor who placed second with 21% of the vote, while far-right AUR leader George Simion led the first round with over 40%.
UDMR, the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania, also endorsed Dan, with UDMR leader Hunor Kelemen urging a united front against “the anti-Hungarian candidate, George Simion.”
The coalition, reformed in December after a snap parliamentary election, originally comprised PSD, PNL and UDMR.
It will now cede power to caretaker leadership pending post-election talks under acting president Ilie Bolojan.
(jh)
Source: PAP