Conflict at the top of the ruling party

The row continues between the most influential figures in the Social Democratic Party, the senior member of the ruling coalition in Romania

Bogdan Matei, 10.09.2018, 13:39

The Romanian post-communist democracy has rarely seen such categorical election victories, albeit so difficult to manage, as that of the Social Democratic Party in 2016, when it won the local elections by a large margin. Gabriela Firea, a former journalist, equally controversial and popular, and who had only entered politics four years earlier, became Bucharests first female mayor and the Social Democrats first win in Bucharest, a city usually won by the right wing. Voter turnout stood at a mere 32%, compared with the national average of 48%.

Also, mayors were elected by one-round vote, which, some commentators say, dents their legitimacy. In the public perception, however, nothing could overshadow Gabriela Fireas victory. Six months later, the Social Democratic Party also won the parliamentary elections in categorical fashion, with more than 40% of the votes. Together with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, they returned in power after only one year of technocratic government. Considered the strategist of the party and the mastermind behind this triumph, the leader of the Social Democratic Party Liviu Dragnea was unofficially crowned the leader of the coalition.

Being in government has turned out to be, however, much more difficult for the Social Democrats than was expected. Becoming undesirable for Dragnea after only six months in office, prime minister Sorin Grindeanu was sacked through a no-confidence motion initiated by his own party, a situation never before seen in Romania. The following prime minister, Mihai Tudose, only lasted six months himself. He was persuaded by his colleagues to resign to make way for Viorica Dancila.

There were always Social Democrats who criticised Dragneas leadership style, but they have either been excluded from the party or forced to apologise. Still, none of them had Gabriela Fireas media visibility and vehemence. The trigger of the conflict was the forceful intervention of the riot police at the anti-government protest on the 10th of August, when hundreds of people were wounded and more than 1,000 mostly peaceful protesters inhaled tear gas. Firea called for the resignation of the interior minister Carmen Dan, who is seen as one of Dragneas protégés, and defended the Bucharest prefect Speranta Cliseru, who is close to Firea.

Later, the most visible figures in the Social Democratic Party started to exchange accusations. It is unacceptable for a member of the Social Democratic Party to join those who are attacking the party, says Dragnea. He still wants sole leadership and to maintain this authoritarian style, Firea responds. Many commentators believe that, given the partys poor image at the moment, Firea is in fact trying to build her own image, separate from that of the party leadership, in order to be able to hope for a new term in office. This movement, they say, is cynical but wise, given that Dragnea, who has already received a suspended sentence in one case, is waiting for a final sentence in another case, and may thus have to leave public life. (Translated by Cristina Mateescu)