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PNL and USR say they inch closer to rebuilding ruling coalition

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The leaders of Romania‘s Liberals (PNL) and their former USR ally said on Wednesday they are getting closer to rebuilding their majority ruling coalition, a first step toward ending a month-long political stalemate jeopardising reforms, according to Reuters.

PNL led by Florin Cîțu cancelled a vote of confidence on a minority cabinet line-up put forward last week by PM-designate Nicolae Ciuca on Monday due to the meagre chances of success.

„There are great chances to rebuild our coalition, talks today were like group therapy,” Cîțu told reporters, adding that the USR had agreed to allow him to propose a prime minister.

The next step will be further negotiations on a cabinet line-up before consultations with President Klaus Iohannis, whose approval will be needed as he will nominate a premier-designate and install the government.

Citu’s caretaker cabinet, which includes UDMR ministers, jointly controls 163 seats in parliament, 71 seats short of a majority. Adding USR would give them a functioning majority of 243 seats.

„These exploratory talks have been very good. A majority can be formed and can exist, as it used to be, by further co-opting our UDMR colleagues,” said USR head Dacian Ciolos.