PNL's Gorghiu: I regret Blaga's situation; his resignation means PNL losing a pillar

Co-chair of the National Liberal Party (PNL) Alina Gorghiu is voicing regret over the "quite uncomfortable" situation in which resigning co-chair Vasile Blaga finds himself, saying that Blaga's resignation means the party is losing a pillar of its construction. 

"I regret the quite uncomfortable situation in which our friend and colleague Mr Co-Chair Vasile Blaga finds himself, and I also believe in the presumption of innocence," Gorghiu said in a press statement released on Wednesday. 

She adds that she will not comment on the merits of court files and investigation, because that is not what is expected of a politician and a party leader. 

"As far as political implications go, the National Liberal Party is losing one of its pillars in its construction through this resignation. At the same time, the resignation of PNL's co-chair is an example of honour and consistency that shows once again the major difference between our party and all the others. The difference is that, although the presumption of innocence is the same for all, only some have dignity and respect the parties they represent and the electorate," says Gorghiu. 

She adds that PNL is once again proving that reform is not mere talk, but a way of doing politics for the party's latecomers up to and including its leaders. 

"We will continue on the same path out of our wish to be a moral and good-faith alternative against politicians who are ready to sacrifice their country to escape legal accountability," says Gorghiu. 

She says PNL will make the necessary decisions in the period immediately ahead after this "unwanted event, by consultations, trusting in the strength of each party member." 

"The National Liberal Party is one single entity that long ago stopped dividing its members by former political affiliation. That is the great merit of the PNL co-chair, whom I have joined over the past two years on his visits several times to each and every PNL organisation to convey our shared message of unity and reform," says Gorghiu. 

She also says PNL must strive to win this autumn's general election. 

"All our efforts and thoughts have to be steered toward this December election. PNL, along with President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos, is a force that wants Romania's change for the better to be carried through.We must strive to win the election, and do so not just because this is party objective, but, first of all, to avoid leaving Romania in the hands of a political cartel activated by revenge and retrograde objectives," says Gorghiu. 

Blaga on Wednesday resigned as PNL co-chair and coordinator of the electoral campaign for this autumn's general election. 

His decision came after the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) ordered his prosecution over influence peddling while he was secretary general of a political party at rule. AGERPRES