President Dan: Romania will stay on Western path regardless of censure-motion result

 President Nicusor Dan said on Monday that Romania will maintain its Western direction regardless of the outcome of the vote on the censure motion scheduled for Tuesday."We will have the motion tomorrow. I want to assure Romanians that, whatever happens, Romania will continue to follow its Western path, the state will continue to function, and there is political agreement on the immediate fundamental goals, which are SAFE and the NRRP," the head of state said in Yerevan, during a press conference at the end of the European Political Community summit.Asked about the reform of state-owned companies, the president emphasized the need for professional management."All Romanians know this: there are major management problems in state-owned companies, and we must make them function on economic principles while ensuring competent leadership. Of course, this has generated tensions and differences of vision. What I can say is that, with tact and negotiation between the parties, this issue must move forward, because we have no alternative," President Nicusor Dan said.He noted that, depending on the outcome of the censure motion, all scenarios are possible, each with its own developments, and said analyses are already underway. If the motion passes, he expects a one- to two-week period of uncertainty."It should not worry us, because there is commitment to both major objectives and to the pro-Western direction," he added.Asked about stock-market fluctuations amid the political crisis, he said the reaction is normal."Again, I call for calm. It's a natural reaction when there is political uncertainty. It has happened in Romania before, and around the world. After things settle, exchange rates return. What I can convey to Romanians and to the financial market is that Romania keeps its commitments regarding the deficit, the immediate objectives (...) and the pro-Western direction," the head of state said.If the motion against the Bolojan Government passes, President Dan said stability must guide the next steps. "In principle, the solution must be stable rather than quick. There must be certain preconditions that guarantee it will last as long as possible, and which override speed."   În his opinion,  a scenario in which Calin Georgescu would be prime minister is "excluded" if the motion of censure against the Bolojan Government is adopted by Parliament.In a press conference held at the end of the European Political Community Summit, held in Yerevan, the head of state was asked whether, in the event that the motion of censure is adopted, and AUR goes to the consultations at the Cotroceni Palace with a proposal for prime minister in the person of Calin Georgescu, he sees a possibility of a prime minister of national unity, with prime minister Calin Georgescu."This scenario is excluded. It is good for a newspaper headline, but it is excluded", the president pointed out.Regarding the formation of a possible new government, the head of state once again evoked the pro-Western direction and rejected the option of a national unity government."At this moment I exclude it. That is, all the options that I have in mind, whether they are majority or minority, are based, in terms of the composition of the government, on a majority support of pro-Western parties," he said.The president reiterated that he has refused over time to refer to extremist parties."I have avoided using the word 'extremist' since the electoral campaign. I have spoken of Western, anti-Western direction, I have spoken of political forces that promote collaboration, political forces that promote hatred, division in society. These are several delimitations that I have made. I have avoided using the word 'extremism'. I still believe that there is a difference between pro-Western and anti-Western forces in Romania, including AUR", said Nicusor Dan.Also, when asked if he sees AUR as an anti-Western party, the president replied: "The last manifestation - I saw it at the request of the United States for the use of Romanian bases".