Romanian Parties to Hold Talks on New PM

President Iohannis has to nominate a new PM | Photo: Pro TV. 

Leaders of Romania's main parties are to be invited to the presidential residence to start talks on the appointment of a new prime minister, after Victor Ponta resigned on Wednesday.

Ponta quit following mass protests over the nightclub fire that killed 32 young people.

"I am waiting for Ponta to officially send me his resignation," President Iohannis said on Wednesday.

"After this move, I will call political parties for consultations on Thursday, or the latest on Friday. I want to finalise the first round of consultations this week," Iohannis added.

Ponta's ruling Social Democratic Party, PSD, said it was open to negotiations. "We are waiting for the President's invitations and will attend the negotiations because it is in Romania's interest to have a new government as soon as possible," the PSD leader, Liviu Dragnea, said.

Dragnea added that the centre-left PSD, which has the most seats in parliament, is against snap elections and has a nominee in mind to replace Ponta, although he would not reveal the name.

The main opposition Liberal Party, PNL, said it planned to start talks on a political agreement for early elections, which would require the resignation of all lawmakers.

After consultations with the parties, President Iohannis will name a prime minister to form a new government, which needs to be approved by parliament. If this fails twice, snap elections will be called.

Romania needs a new government as soon as possible, experts said. "Ideally, Romania should have a prime minister and a new cabinet supported by a large majority in parliament, and, of course, names that cannot be contested by the people," sociologist Marius...