PSD risks getting a hinge party

Victor Ponta sent an appeal to « social-democrats and center, moderate, modern. »

« Of all the Social Democrats, I am the one who obtained the most direct votes from the Romanian people, after Ion Iliescu. This fact gives me the right to launch an appeal, to express an opinion and to be listened to. To ask to do something together for a decisive moment for the Social Democracy. A moment in the PSD, or in the PSD, in Poland- 7-8%.

I think that would be a serious mistake and I can’t accept this direction.

The Romanians clearly transmitted, both in November and now: they want a radical change in traditional parties. Not a cosmetization, not a spoiled, but a real change. Otherwise, next time they will completely eliminate them by vote. This message is clear to all, less for a few-three, four, maybe ten current PSD leaders-who, out of selfishness and personal interest, refuse to accept it.

I saw Marcel Ciolacu’s decision to resign. It is a natural decision – the leader is responsible. But I think it is unfair to resign only Marcel Ciolacu. And, worse, inefficient for the party.

Those who throw him over the board now, although they are more guilty than him for everything that has happened lately, do it to save themselves. But in reality I do harm to the party and will continue to hurt if I do not understand that they have to take a step back.

Marcel Ciolacu did not drive the PSD alone-it was not like Liviu Dragnea. He had people who influenced him, changed him, gave him wrong tips. These people cannot escape now by throwing all the blame on Marcel Ciolacu.

The decision to apply in 2024 was not taken alone. I, for example, told him not to run. Others around him have pushed him public to do so. The decision to direct votes to George Simion in the first round was not just his – everyone in the current leadership was involved. And the result was that Marcel Ciolacu did not enter the second round. Romania would have shown quite differently in that case.

He did not even decide to do not solve the funds for the rights of the military or to adopt the « Tailor Ordinance » – a disaster for the business environment. Even Crin Antonescu’s candidacy was not just his decision. There was a collective enthusiasm around it, although it was known to lose.

Marcel Ciolacu did not decide alone my exclusion from the PSD, just because I told the truth-that he cannot win with Crin Antonescu and that the Social Democrats must have their own candidate.

I will say a hard, but true thing: not in that much blamed plane from « Nordis » Marcel Ciolacu was alone. There were others. Only throwing him from the plane is unfair and inefficient, ”said Victor Ponta.

Ponta believes that there is a chance, even if small and difficult, like those who once voted with PSD, or thought to do so.
but only if there is a profound change.

« I want my team and my team-a few people, not many-those who have obtained 1,240,000 votes from Romanians, including social-democrats, to get involved in a sincere reconstruction effort. An effort to bring hope for 2028–2029. My outstretched hand is sincere.
And I say very clearly: I don’t want to be the PSD president. I will not run for the next Congress for this position. I was president and I am proud of it, but I think it’s the time of a new generation. As I came after Adrian Nastase, others must come. (..)

As for the country’s leadership, I want to convince all those who consider themselves patriots and realists to allow a center-right government, consisting of PNL, USR, UDMR, to take the lead with the new president, Nicușor Dan.

We need to stay in opposition. But not an extremist or destructive opposition, but a firm one in protecting the interest of Romanians and Romanian companies, but open to the necessary reforms.

I want to go back to people. Let us no longer force the mayors to bring the citizens with buses to the rallies or vote! Let’s go to shows without spending public money. Let’s be present online without armies and millionaire consultants who deal with dirty campaigns. Let’s give up the practices that have compromised everything that PSD means in the eyes of many Romanians, especially in the diaspora.

If we understand and accept this, we can rebuild. It is my offer, my wish, and I’m not naive. I am not very optimistic, but I know I have a duty not to attend passive, « Ponta said.

He also sent a personal message to Marcel Ciolacu.

« I know he is upset about me and he considers me a traitor! But I feel the same about him. Probably the truth is somewhere in the middle. But, like two mature people, like two men and former friends who have so many things in common, I am confident that we can talk and solve between us this situation.

And, perhaps most importantly, we have to break this ugly PSD tradition: all former leaders kicked out. I do not want to be expelled either Marcel Ciolacu. On the contrary – I think all those who led this party must put the shoulder and help.
It is a moment of life and death for social-democracy. The selfish, group interests can no longer continue.
Adrian Nastase had a word that, unfortunately, is still valid: « The PSD plane collapses and they fight on the places in business. » This is not the solution. I want to participate, and to participate together, in this difficult road, through the desert. I was there – in 2005, in 2010, in 2016. I know you can go out. With work, seriously, with new people. And finally, I say again, my favorite words – who are not necessarily optimistic, but are true: « If you want everything to remain the same, we must change everything. »
As before, it can not be. The Romanians told us this. And I hope not only those in this room, but all those who hear this message, I understand it, « said Victor Ponta at the end of his call.