Answering several questions during a brief press conference in Cyprus, where he was attending an informal European Council, Romanian president Nicusor Dan assured \u201csomething with my participation\u201d will happen next week in relation to the ongoing political crisis in the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On an optimistic note, he said that \u201cthe tone of the discussions has calmed down a bit,\u201d expressed expectations for the interim cabinet to perform well, and assured that the pro-Western parties that formed the ruling coalition in the past remain committed to the country\u2019s European orientation.<\/p>\n
Asked if he will hold new consultations with the parties or if he will have another intervention in the political crisis, president Dan stated: “I will let you know. Something will definitely happen with my participation next week.”<\/p>\n
However, he wanted to remain neutral. Asked to evaluate the performance of prime minister Ilie Bolojan (Liberal, PNL), fiercely contested by the Social Democrats (PSD), president Dan refused to comment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I were to give you an answer, I would place myself on one side or the other. That way, I will maintain my status as a mediator,” he said.<\/p>\n
The president’s comments came after the ministers from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) submitted their resignations from the government<\/a> on Thursday, April 23, marking a decisive step in the party\u2019s withdrawal from the ruling coalition and deepening the ongoing political crisis. In his turn, prime minister\u00a0Ilie Bolojan\u00a0announced interim replacements<\/a> later the same day.<\/p>\n The president has to issue decrees dismissing the ministers from office and appointing interim ministers.\u00a0<\/p>\n