Romania’s ruling party to decide on the future of controversial leader Liviu Dragnea

Leaders from Romania’s ruling Social Democrats will meet today to discuss the future of the party’s de facto leader, Liviu Dragnea.

Due to abuse of office convictions, Mr Dragnea is a deeply unpopular figure in Romania. Earlier this year, the party president was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, which he will appeal next month.

While Mr Dragnea has retained strong influence over the Social Democrats, that could come to an end today as the party’s executive meets to discuss a letter that labels him the Social Democrats’ greatest vulnerability and calls for his resignations. So far, it has been signed by more than 20 party leaders.

While it is unclear whether Dragnea will be ousted—Prime Minister Viorica Dancila would be his likely replacement as party head—failure to do so could be extremely costly for the Social Democrats. Indeed, with the party’s support down to 25% from 47% in 2016, removing Dragnea could be the only way for the Social Democrats to ensure a strong showing in presidential and parliamentary elections over the next two years.

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