Social Democrat leader sends mixed signals on backing Romania's key reform agenda

15 July 2026 Romania's Social Democratic Party (PSD) has sent conflicting signals over its willingness to support legislation linked to the country's Recovery and Resilience Facility (PNRR), with party leader Sorin Grindeanu softening his earlier remarks on the PNRR reform package while simultaneously escalating his criticism of acting prime minister Ilie Bolojan. The mixed messaging adds to uncertainty over the adoption of six key reform bills that Romania must pass to unlock more than EUR 4.5 billion in grants under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility. Speaking on July 14, Grindeanu said PSD would "absolutely respect all its commitments" but would not vote "on demand" for legislation promoted by the dismissed government, Hotnews.ro reported. He added that the bills, which have alre