Romania’s Liberal Party to hold internal elections

Romania’s ruling National Liberal Party (Partidul National Liberal/PNL) will hold a party congress today to elect its leadership.

The congress is happening in the face of a potential parliamentary no-confidence vote against PNL Prime Minister Florin Citu, who leads the governing coalition. PM Citu is running to take over party leadership against incumbent party leader Ludovic Orban.

The no-confidence vote comes amidst part of the current government coalition breaking up earlier in September. As Citu is not currently the leader of PNL, the results of the PNL election could reflect remaining confidence in his leadership as prime minister, or could further erode trust within his own party.  Romanian President Klaus, a member of PNL, voiced his support for PM Citu and will be attending the PNL Congress.

In the face of a fourth COVID-19 wave, expect continued turbulence within the Romanian government, regardless of the PNL congress outcome. At present, just twenty-six percent of the EU member state’s population has been vaccinated, and efforts to combat COVID-19 may be further impeded following congress results and the associated political infighting.

Wake up smarter with an assessment of the stories that will make headlines in the next 24 hours. Download The Daily Brief.