Romanian ruling party to hold rally to support PM Viorica Dancila, likely on 9 June

The Social Democrats, Romania’s ruling party, which, alongside the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) make up the ruling coalition, will hold a rally in support of PM Viorica Dancila, whose leadership capabilities have been questioned of late by the country’s president, Klaus Iohannis.

The rally, which is expected to attract a large participation from the party’s local chapters, will likely be held on 9 June.

Dancila, Romania’s first ever prime minister, took over on January 29 after her predecessor Mihai Tudose lost party support. Her term has so far been characterised by conflicts with Romanian President Iohannis as well as by statements that made headlines due to the improper use of the Romanian language. In April, Dancila, together with Social Democratic Party chair Liviu Dragnea visited Israel and met with her counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu without having an official mandate for the visit. In a statement, Iohannis called on Dancila to ‘explain’ the reasons of her visit as well as the secrecy surrounding the visit. According to Iohannis, he did not know Dancila would visit Israel before the visit, and only found out after she arrived at the destination.

The doubts cast on Dancila’s ability to lead also echoed internationally during her visit to the Vatican, when Pope Francis asked the Romanian politician whether she will be able to complete her term. “Undoubtedly,” she reportedly told the pontiff, during her May 11 visit.

Party head Liviu Dragnea stated on Monday that, should the power be grabbed via ‘illegitimate’ means, the party will use “all legal, constitutional, public, [and] social to ensure that that December 2016 citizens vote is respected,” Mediafax quoted him as saying.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has repeatedly asked for Dancila to step down. However, the PM had dismissed the request every time, citing Parliament support.