National leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), major in the ruling coalition, Liviu Dragnea said Wednesday that in this capacity he bears the political costs of any criticism levelled against the Government, hinting to his position in the latest polls.
Asked for his take on the poll that shows him 5th in the ranking of public trust, as against PSD's Gabriela Firea, the general mayor of Bucharest City who is 1st in the same ranking, Dragnea blamed the outcome on contentious debates on a controversial justice ordinance.
"As chairman of the party, I bear the political costs of all criticisms levelled against the Government, which is natural because it happens everywhere in the world. You will never see me parting ways with the Government if the Government makes mistakes, which has not been the case so far," Dragnea told Radio Romania Actualitati public broadcaster.
Asked whether or not he aims to become the prime minister, Dragnea said, "That is not my perspective. My perspective, and the perspective of the party, is to carry through our governing programme, which is the most important thing to Romanians. The Government is the tool that implements the programme. If the incumbent government lives by all the provisions in its programme, Romania will stand to gain."
On the other hand, he reiterated the need for a debate on the entire legislation related to the judiciary and justice. "An integrated debate must be conducted. I do not find it efficient holding separate debates on each of the pieces of legislation in these areas. All the relevant parties have to get involved. A serious debate is needed. I do not believe it should take very many months to conclude, but a comprehensive debate of the entire legislation in this area is needed," said Dragnea. He added that in the period immediately ahead a debate on deforestation will also be conducted.