Economics professor Cristian Păun commented on Monday, at “The Truth Interviews”how he sees the relationship between President Nicușor Dan and Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, stating that “the fight got kind of personal”.
“I don’t think anyone in the party imagined that such a decision would be reached. What happened on Sunday was basically a declaration of war on the face. The fight has become personal.”said Cristian Păun.
Asked if this “declaration of war” comes from the president, he replied:
“Yes. No one expected the dispute to go beyond the institutional level. Normally, it would be negotiations between the president and the parties called to form a majority. Instead, it has become a tense and difficult to explain situation.”
He stated, however, that “the decision must be analyzed institutionally, not personally”adding that “it is not about likes or dislikes towards Mr. Bolojan. The problem is that Romania is facing serious economic difficulties, and these must be solved.”
At the same time, he also commented on the nomination of Adrian Veștea for the position of prime minister, something that tensed the situation inside the PNL.
“He revealed plans, he said “we’ve been plotting this for four days”. Mr. Tomac came with a team behind him and there were quite a few honorable names on that list”said Cristian Păun.
Asked if Adrian Veștea expected such a move from the president, he stated: “There was also that surprising moment when Mr. Vestea stated that he had a project to complete at home, which suggested that he already had other plans in mind (…) Normally, he would not have made such a statement if he had no information or expectations about it. At one point he even hinted that there was a plan that had been set for a longer time.”
The relationship between Nicușor Dan and USR
Regarding the relationship between Nicușor Dan and USR, Cristian Păun stated that “the position of the president is rather bizarre.”
“From my point of view, it seems that he rather defended the anti-reformists. You know how it is: the word “reform” is obsolete today, and whoever uses it seems frivolous. If I said it here, probably half the people watching would laugh. But reform means change, from something bad to something better.”he added.
President Nicușor Dan announced on Sunday morning, during a press statement held at the Cotroceni Palace, that Eugen Tomac submitted his mandate, and Adrian Veștea, first vice-president of the PNL, was appointed prime minister in his place.
