Alin Tișe announces candidacy for PNL Presidency and challenges Ilie Bolojan's leadership

Update

Alin Tișe runs for PNL Presidency: 'The PNL is heading in the wrong direction'

The President of Cluj County Council, Alin Tișe, one of the most vocal liberals in the anti-Ilie Bolojan camp, announced on Wednesday, November 4, his candidacy for the position of President of the National Liberal Party (PNL) on his Facebook page. Tișe emphasizes that the PNL, led since November 2024 by former Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, 'is heading in the wrong direction,' which is why he assumes taking over the mantle of party leader. ^[2]

The title of the message published on Facebook is categorical: 'The PNL is heading in the wrong direction. And it is time to stop this!' This statement forms the basis of his campaign, which targets the party's future Congress. Alin Tișe is defined in the text as one of the most vocal liberals in opposition to Ilie Bolojan. ^[2]

He justifies his candidacy through his 25 years of experience in the PNL, highlighting five electoral successes obtained by direct vote and with the support of the local organization: four terms as President of Cluj County Council and one term as a senator. ^[2]

Tișe presents himself as a committed politician, with 'good and bad,' and a lawyer with thorough studies, but also an entrepreneur in the private sector. He notes that he has never campaigned with the support of the PSD or in alliance with it or other political parties, emphasizing his political independence. ^[2]

In his message, the future candidate for PNL Presidency links economic prosperity with local administration, saying: 'I am one of those who work, invest, pay salaries, taxes, and levies... A prosperous business environment means a prosperous country. A country where Romanians' salaries and pensions represent rights that no one should touch.' Alin Tișe aims for the PNL to regain its identity, electorate, and strength to represent the 'Romanian right,' standing with the nation and Romanians. A central point of his program is political sovereignty: 'The PNL, through ourselves! Without dependence on USR, PSD, or any other party.' He believes the party must regain its identity through its own efforts to represent national interests. The announcement of his candidacy comes after receiving support from fellow liberals. Tișe states that he takes responsibility for competing in the party congress. The candidate desires a strong party that represents entrepreneurs and the business environment without negotiating principles. He promotes a 'policy of love, not division,' in a PNL where all liberals find their place, even if they do not agree with all positions of the elected leader. Among his objectives is supporting the continuity of projects initiated by mayors, county council presidents, and local administrations. He concludes the message with a call for unity and credibility, wishing for a PNL that is 'united, strong, credible, and fearing God,' that follows the 'right path.' Tișe ends his text by showing that he is not running just for an office, but to restore the PNL's 'strength to decide, to build, and to govern.' He invites liberals to come alongside him to give the party the future it deserves. ^[2]

Update

Alin Tișe runs for PNL leadership: 'The PNL is heading in the wrong direction,' without dependence on USR and PSD

The President of Cluj County Council, Alin Tișe, launched on Wednesday, November 4, his candidacy for the position of President of the National Liberal Party (PNL), targeting the future Congress of the formation. Alin Tișe, a liberal activist for 25 years, is identified as one of the most vocal opponents of the current leadership, led by Ilie Bolojan since November 2024. He stated that the PNL 'is heading in the wrong direction' and that 'it is time to stop this,' supporting that the party 'is not the property of anyone,' but belongs to members, mayors, parliamentarians, and local organizations. ^[3]

The candidate emphasizes his dual experience, being a lawyer with thorough studies and an active entrepreneur in the private sector. Tișe stated: 'I have never campaigned in my career with the support of the PSD or in alliance with the PSD or any other political party.' He argues his candidacy through five electoral victories obtained by direct vote, with the support of the local organization, including four terms as President of Cluj County Council and one in the Senate. Alin Tișe linked national prosperity to that of the business environment, stating: 'I am one of those who work, invest, pay salaries, taxes, and levies... A prosperous business environment means a prosperous country.' He supports the 'political sovereignty' of the PNL, calling for a 'restoration of identity' and 'complete dependence on USR, PSD, or any other party,' to represent the 'Romanian right.' ^[3]

In his program, Alin Tișe emphasized a 'policy of love, not division,' encouraging all liberals to find their place in the party, even those with disagreements with the elected leader. He expressed his desire for the party to begin the democratization process 'from the bottom up,' valuing the options of each member. Among his priorities was supporting the continuity of projects initiated by mayors, county council presidents, and local administrations. In conclusion, Tișe launched an appeal to PNL members to contribute to restoring the party to the 'right path,' defining it as 'united, strong, credible, and fearing God.' ^[3]

Update

Alin Tișe confirms candidacy for PNL leadership: 'I am not running for an office, but to restore the PNL's strength to decide, to build, and to govern'

Alin Tișe, President of Cluj County Council, officially confirmed his candidacy for the position of PNL President for the next party congress. ^[4]

With a message published on Facebook, Tișe stated: 'I am not running for an office. I am running to restore the PNL's strength to decide, to build, and to govern.' ^[4]

This initiative comes after he received support from liberal colleagues. 'Following the support of liberal colleagues, I assume the candidacy for the position of President of the National Liberal Party, at the future Congress,' Tișe transmitted. ^[4]

He supports that the PNL 'must become a party where its members matter, in which those who win elections have a significant say, and in which decisions are made together.' ^[4]

The candidate's main criticism targets the current direction of the party: 'The PNL is heading in the wrong direction. And it is time to stop this!', shows his post. ^[4]

Tișe is known as a challenger of PNL leader Ilie Bolojan. In July, after the Congress that reconfirmed Bolojan at the head of the party, Tișe established a liberal-conservative platform. ^[4]

Update

Alin Tișe announces his candidacy for the PNL: 'The party is heading in the wrong direction'

Alin Tișe, President of Cluj County Council (CJ) Cluj, announced his candidacy for the PNL leadership on social media. The liberal claims that the party 'is heading in the wrong direction' and that it is time to stop this trend. ^[5]

In the message posted on Facebook, Tișe argued that the PNL is not 'anyone's property,' but belongs to members, mayors, county council presidents, parliamentarians, and local organizations. He asked for a party that is 'united, strong, credible, and fearing God,' in which decisions are taken together and those elected by popular vote have the decisive word. ^[5]

Alin Tișe emphasized political integrity, specifying that he 'has never campaigned in his career with the support of the PSD or in alliance with the PSD or any other political party.' The same clarification regarding neutrality towards the PSD was noted in the message. The clarification regarding the lack of any alliances with the PSD in election campaigns completes the candidate's profile. ^[5]

Tișe justifies his eligibility through 25 years of activity in the PNL, obtaining five electoral victories by direct vote, with the support of the Cluj organization: four terms as President of Cluj County Council and one term as a senator. He presents himself as a committed politician who prefers facts to speak for themselves. Reiterating his political experience, the candidate lists five mandates won by direct vote and the support of the Cluj organization. His self-portrait as a committed politician, letting facts speak, highlights the visible results of his activity. ^[5]

Tișe defines himself as a lawyer with thorough studies and an entrepreneur in the private sector, characteristics he brings to politics. The denial of participation in campaigns with PSD support is reaffirmed. He profiles his dual professional profile, as a lawyer and entrepreneur. ^[5]

The candidate mentions that he knows both the responsibility of public administration and the realities of the private sector. Experience in both fields, public and private, is invoked as an argument of competence. He describes himself as active in the economy: working, investing, paying taxes and levies, and creating jobs. ^[5]

He considers that a prosperous business environment generates a prosperous country, where salary rights and pensions are inviolable. ^[5]

He promotes the concept of 'political sovereignty,' formulated through 'through ourselves, without dependence on USR or PSD.' ^[5]

He asks the PNL to regain its identity, electorate, and strength to represent the Romanian right, holding together with the nation, country, and Romanians. ^[5]

The appeal for the 'right path' concludes, for a correct direction and a national, united, strong, credible, and God-fearing PNL. ^[5]

Tișe clearly affirms the motivation: 'I am not running for an office. I am running to restore the PNL's strength to decide, to build, and to govern.' ^[5]

He invites liberals to come alongside him to give the party the future it deserves. ^[5]

Tișe is known as the leader of the Liberal-Conservative Platform launched in July. ^[5]

Tișe supports that he is not part of labeled camps, but having been active for 20 years only in the PNL, bringing votes well above the party average. ^[5]

His candidacy is publicly supported by liberals such as Rareș Bogdan, Alina Gorghiu, or Ionuț Stroe. ^[5]

His intention to replace Bolojan was anticipated earlier by Cotidianul. ^[5]

There is an internal debate about organizing a PNL Congress; anti-Bolojan liberals would prefer a delay so that the opposition within the party strengthens. ^[5]

The head of the PNL, Ilie Bolojan, recently made statements about the party's direction. ^[5]

Ilie Bolojan stated that he is president as a result of the decisions of the congress and the comfortable majority of colleagues, who decided to go into opposition against the PSD. He had a firm response to those who want the PNL to be 'the clone or keychain of the PSD,' indicating departure on the path chosen by them. ^[5]

Update

Mircea Abrudean calls for a new PNL Congress: 'It could clarify matters once and for all'

A liberal leader, Mircea Abrudean, President of the Senate, has requested the organization of a new PNL Congress to clarify internal disputes, in a context where the conservative platform demands a new congress and a new leadership, different from Ilie Bolojan. ^[6]

The President of the Senate, Mircea Abrudean, explained in front of TVR Info that these liberals already had the opportunity to enter the competition at the previous Congress, but did not propose an alternative candidate at that time. ^[6]

Update

Alin Tișe calls for a new PNL congress and supports Bolojan's resignation

According to online sources, Alin Tișe, President of Cluj County Council, has announced his candidacy for the PNL leadership, targeting the future congress of the party. He is one of the most vocal opponents of the current leadership, led by Ilie Bolojan since November 2024, contesting the direction in which the PNL is heading and requesting a new leadership and a new congress, different from Ilie Bolojan. Mircea Abrudean, President of the Senate, has requested the organization of a new PNL Congress to clarify internal disputes, in a context where the conservative platform led by Alin Tișe demands a new congress and a new leadership, different from Ilie Bolojan. The President of the Senate, Mircea Abrudean, explained in front of TVR Info that these liberals already had the opportunity to enter the competition at the previous Congress, but did not propose an alternative candidate at that time. ^[7]

Update

Alin Tișe announces candidacy for PNL Presidency and challenges Ilie Bolojan's leadership

The President of Cluj County Council, Alin Tișe, announced on Wednesday his candidacy for the leadership of the National Liberal Party (PNL) at the future Congress, criticizing the current direction of the party. In a message published on Facebook, Tișe declared that the PNL 'must become a party where its members matter, in which those who win elections have a significant say, and in which decisions are made together.' ^[8]

Tișe emphasized that the PNL 'is not the property of anyone,' but is formed by hundreds of thousands of members, mayors, county council presidents, parliamentarians, and local organizations. The candidate emphasized the need for the party to regain its identity and electorate, supporting a 'Romanian right' that stands with the nation, country, and Romanians. He asked for a 'policy of love, not division,' in which all liberals find their place, even if they do not agree with all positions of the elected leader, and a democratization 'from the bottom up.' Among priorities was supporting the continuity of projects initiated by local administrations. ^[8]

In his message, the future candidate for PNL Presidency reiterated his political independence, specifying that he has never campaigned with the support of the PSD or in alliance with it or other political parties. Tișe justifies his eligibility through his 25 years of experience in the PNL and five electoral successes obtained by direct vote: four terms as President of Cluj County Council and one term as a senator. He presents himself as a committed politician, with 'good and bad,' a lawyer with thorough studies, and an entrepreneur in the private sector, who believes that a prosperous business environment leads to a prosperous country. ^[8]

The objectives announced by Tișe include an authentic and strong party, which does not negotiate its principles and which truly represents entrepreneurs and the business environment. He asked that the party begin the democratization process 'from the bottom up,' so that each member's option counts. The candidate promised to support the continuity of projects initiated by mayors, county council presidents, and local public administrations. ^[8]

Alin Tișe concluded the message with a call for unity, wanting a PNL that is 'united, strong, credible, and fearing God,' that follows the 'right path.' He declared that he is not running for an office, but to restore the PNL's 'strength to decide, to build, and to govern,' inviting liberals to come alongside him to give the party the future it deserves. ^[8]

Update

Alin Tișe launches before an inexistent Congress: G4media contests the support of 'liberal colleagues'

Alin Tișe, President of Cluj County Council, officially announced his candidacy for the PNL leadership in preparation for the future Congress, but was immediately contradicted by the organizational reality of the party. G4media points out that the PNL does not have any Congress scheduled for choosing the leadership and a date for organizing it is not expected, which turns the announcement into a political move without an immediate electoral framework. Although Tișe claims to have the 'support of liberal colleagues,' sources indicate that no important local or national leader has publicly expressed support, the only reactions being likes and shares from members of the local organization in Cluj, where the majority is located in the camp of Emil Boc, Daniel Buda, and Mircea Abrudean. G4media sources raise the hypothesis that triggering this competition would be a reaction to internal pressure, especially Tișe's fear that Ilie Bolojan is preparing the President of the Senate, Mircea Abrudean, to become candidate for President of Cluj County Council in the local elections. This dynamic explains the intensity of Tișe's attacks against Bolojan, after at the Summer 2025 Congress Tișe obtained only about 400 votes for a deputy president position, being surpassed by Senator Nicoleta Pauliuc. Mircea Abrudean was asked about Tișe's ambitions, emphasizing that legitimacy is done through the vote at the Congress, where Bolojan won comfortably. Another image correction raised by the source concerns Tișe's political profile. Although in his candidacy message he claims he has never campaigned with the support of the PSD, G4media contradicts this statement, noting that Alin Tișe has had a perfect cooperation for years with the social democrats of Cluj, including AUR Cluj, parties that did not oppose him at the level of Cluj County Council. ^[9]

Update

Alin Tișe assumes candidacy for PNL Presidency: 'The PNL is heading in the wrong direction'

The President of Cluj County Council, Alin Tișe, announced that he assumes his candidacy for the position of President of the National Liberal Party (PNL), at the future Congress, supporting that the formation is heading in the wrong direction and it is necessary to stop this trend. Tișe posted a message on Facebook in which he states: 'The PNL is not the property of anyone. It is the party of the hundreds of thousands of souls who built it, of mayors who won elections, of county council presidents, of parliamentarians, and of organizations that keep the party alive.' ^[10]

The liberal emphasized the need for the PNL to become a party where its members matter, and decisions are taken together, with a significant say for those who win elections. Tișe bases his candidacy on 25 years of activity in the party and on five electoral victories obtained by direct vote, with the support of the PNL Cluj organization: four terms as President of Cluj County Council and one term as a senator. ^[10]

The candidate insisted on his political independence, mentioning that he has never campaigned with the support of the PSD or in alliance with it or other political parties. Profiling himself as a committed politician, a lawyer with thorough studies, and an active entrepreneur, Tișe linked economic prosperity with public administration: 'I am one of those who work, invest, pay salaries, taxes, and levies, pay monthly bank installments, and create jobs. A prosperous business environment means a prosperous country.' ^[10]

A central point of his program is political sovereignty: 'The PNL, through ourselves! Without dependence on USR, PSD, or any other party'. Tișe asks that the party regain its identity, electorate, and strength to represent the 'Romanian right,' holding with the nation, country, and Romanians. He promotes a 'policy of love, not division' and wants a party that begins democratization 'from the bottom up,' supporting the continuity of projects of local administrations. ^[10]

The conclusion of his message highlights that he is not running for an office, but to restore the PNL's 'strength to decide, to build, and to govern'. Tișe addresses his liberal colleagues, wishing for a party that is 'united, strong, credible, and fearing God,' that follows the 'right path'. ^[10]

Update

Alin Tișe defines 'politics of love'

Alin Tișe elucidated the concept of 'politics of love', defining membership in a party as being based on common values and principles, not on obligations or temporary interests. The liberal leader emphasized that 'parties are not mandatory issues' and pleaded for overcoming the internal division in the PNL, proposing himself as the figure of unity of the liberals, regardless of their current political options. Asked about alliance prospects, Alin Tișe categorically rejected the possibility of preliminary agreements with USR or PSD. He clearly stated: 'I do not want to make an alliance with anyone at this moment. I want a PNL that stands on its own feet. A PNL that makes no alliance either with the PSD or with the USR. A party that goes in front of the electorate with those values and principles in which it believes'. The candidate identified a crisis of identity of the PNL, suggesting that it should become again 'the party of entrepreneurs, of businessmen, in the field of taxation.' Tișe criticized the difficulty of defining the current liberal electorate, invoking the need to reorient parties towards the interests of the business environment and those who want reduced taxes and levies. Highlighting an unequal political experience of 25 consecutive years in the PNL, Alin Tișe argued that a party that 'stands with the people and not with a handful of people' must avoid tax and levy increases that 'ruin the country to have electoral points'. The liberal firmly committed to standing with the entrepreneurial environment. ^[11]

Update

Alin Tișe promises political sovereignty and refusal of preliminary alliances

The President of Cluj County Council (CJ) Cluj, Alin Tișe, who announced on Wednesday his candidacy for the PNL leadership, stated, live on Antena 3 CNN, that if he becomes the leader of the liberals he will 'support the return to government in any formula,' but also specified that 'before the elections there is no such thing.' ^[12]

Alin Tișe announced how he wants to bring unity among PNL members and excludes a merger with USR. 'A strong party cannot be made through the division of members and through a relationship of hate and enmity between them. Only affection and harmony, through love for the party, make you stay in a team. The PNL must pass from hate between members to a person who unites them. By not renouncing our state and our values. By not bringing the party to an alliance with an extreme right party, like the USR, by not giving the party away to such a party. Today, you see, the fusion with the USR is desired, which have nothing in common. (n.r. - do you want to make an PNL-USR alliance if you become president of the PNL?) I do not want to make an alliance with anyone, I want a PNL on its own feet, that does not make an alliance either with the PSD or with the USR. ^[12]

(n.r. - do you want to reduce taxes, submit projects?) I am in politics for 25 years, I have never changed my party and I have had the same creed: as long as a party stands with the people and does not starve people, such a party can stand with businessmen, with the entrepreneurial environment ^[12]

The President of Cluj County Council (CJ) Cluj states that he relies on the support of colleagues. (n.r. - how many leaders from the PNL have you discussed, what support do you have) If there were no support from some colleagues, there would not have been such a candidacy. We will see at the Congress, at term. I do not talk about organization beforehand. (n.r. - did you talk to Emil Boc?) I talked to many people in the party. It is not about camps, it is about solutions. I launched some ideas in which I believe. Emil Boc will express himself publicly at the opportune moment. If I had not had support, I would not have announced the candidacy. I am convinced that the path the PNL is taking today is wrong. ^[12]

(n.r. - will you support the return to government along with the PSD?) I will support the return to government in any formula. It will be a decision that will be established when we have the configuration of Parliament. Before the elections there is no such thing. (n.r. - if the PSD invites you to government, what will you decide?) The PNL led by Alin Tişe will decide exactly what I told you: the country first of all. If there is a vote against the alliance with the PSD, it will be respected. If there is a vote for the alliance with the PSD, there will be the alliance. He also described how he will interact with AUR in case he becomes the leader of the PNL. (n.r - how do you relate to AUR?) We must not exclude even those from AUR, who have behind them an electorate of 40%. Not in this sense of governing with AUR, I tell you what is today in Parliament. (n.r. - do you have any red line concerning AUR?) In politics, there must not be a red line, parties are obliged to find acceptable compromise, so that the interest of Romania is achieved. (n.r. - you are open also towards collaboration with PSD for government, but also with AUR...?) Parties are obligated in Parliament to find solutions. (n.r. - to be clear: you do not exclude an alliance in government with AUR?) I didn't say that. I said that for the big projects of Romania parties should collaborate in Parliament. (n.r. - but in government?) No, this cannot happen, as long as AUR is an unapproachable party, considered as such by the EU. Parties must collaborate however in Parliament ^[12]

Update

Alin Tișe excludes PNL-USR fusion and describes reunion with Geoană as progress: 'A party that stands with the people'

The candidate for PNL leadership, Alin Tișe, qualified the PNL-USR as an incompatible fusion, excluding this option and affirming that a strong party is not built through division or internal enmity. He presented the reunion with Mircea Geoană's formation as a progress of unity, wanting the PNL to become a platform of unity for all liberals, regardless of origins or previous political options. Tișe pleaded for a 'policy of love,' rejecting division and wanting each liberal to find his place in the party. ^[13]

In the context of a perceived identity crisis of the PNL, Tișe criticized the difficulty of defining the current liberal electorate, arguing that the party should reorient towards the interests of the business environment and those who want reduced taxes and levies. He described the PNL as a party that 'stands with the people and not with a handful of people,' supporting that such a party must avoid fiscal increases that 'ruin the country to have electoral points'. Tișe firmly committed to supporting the entrepreneurial environment and categorically rejected the possibility of preliminary alliances with USR or PSD, wanting the PNL to 'stand on its own feet' and go in front of the electorate with its own values. ^[13]

Update

Alin Tișe announces candidacy for PNL Presidency and challenges Ilie Bolojan's leadership

Alin Tișe's candidacy for PNL Presidency immediately attracted a negative reaction from Gheorghe Falcă, liberal MEP and supporter of Ilie Bolojan. Falcé warned Tișe about his political career, rejecting accusations of wrong direction. European Parliamentarian Gheorghe Falcă, who supports dismissed Premier Ilie Bolojan, transmitted a firm message to candidate Alin Tișe. 'Tișe declares: 'The PNL is heading in the wrong direction.' I answer him: Mr. Tișe is no longer heading anywhere. He has already reached his head against the wall!' Falcé highlighted the strategy of the liberals from Bolojan's wing to dismiss or remove from the party members who do not obey the orders of the president, recalling the case of Adrian Veștea, designated premier designate in June 2025. The President of Cluj County Council, Alin Tișe, is one of the most vocal liberals in the anti-Bolojan camp. Tișe considers that, under the leadership of former Premier Ilie Bolojan, the PNL is heading in the wrong direction. 'The PNL is not the property of anyone. It is the party of the hundreds of thousands of souls who built it, of mayors who won elections, of county council presidents, of parliamentarians, and of organizations that keep the party alive,' wrote Tișe on Facebook. The candidate considers that the PNL must return to a model where its members matter. 'In which those who win elections have a significant say and in which decisions are taken together,' emphasized Tișe. 'I have been in the National Liberal Party for 25 years. With the support of the colleagues from the PNL Cluj organization and through direct vote, I have won five electoral competitions: four terms as President of Cluj County Council and one term as a senator. I am a committed politician, with good and bad, who always preferred to let facts speak. And the results are visible,' he stated. Alin Tișe supports that decisions must be taken together. With the support of the PNL Cluj organization, Tișe won five electoral competitions by direct vote, accumulating four terms as President of Cluj County Council and one term as a senator. The politician defines his profession as committed, preferring that facts speak for themselves. Tișe asserts: 'I have never campaigned in my career with the support of the PSD'. 'I have never campaigned in my career with the support of the PSD or in alliance with the PSD or any other political party. I am a lawyer by profession, with thorough studies, completed at the appropriate time, but also an entrepreneur and associate in the private sector. I know both the responsibility of public administration and the realities of the private sector. I am one of those who work, invest, pay salaries, taxes, and levies, pay monthly bank installments, and create jobs. A prosperous business environment means a prosperous country. A country where Romanians' salaries and pensions represent rights that no one should touch,' the President of Cluj County Council added. Professionally, Tișe is a lawyer with thorough studies, but also an entrepreneur. Knowing both realities, public and private, Tișe defines himself as a supporter of the business environment that creates jobs and does not affect salary rights or pensions. ^[14]

Update

Alin Tișe assumes candidacy for PNL Presidency and challenges Ilie Bolojan's line

Alin Tișe, President of Cluj County Council, launched his candidacy for the position of PNL President, contesting the current direction of the party led by Ilie Bolojan, which, according to Tișe, 'is heading in the wrong direction'. The candidacy comes in the context of tense dynamics within the PNL, where Tișe is one of the most vocal opponents of the current leadership, active in a liberal-conservative platform established in July 2025. ^[15]

Update

Alin Tișe announces candidacy for PNL Presidency and challenges Ilie Bolojan's leadership

The announcement of the candidacy stimulated negative reactions from local and national PNL leaders. Daniel Buda, President of the Cluj County organization of the PNL, stated that he will not support Tișe for the position of party leader. Daniel Buda, President of PNL Cluj, specified that there is no Congress convened at the present moment and that, in his opinion, the direction of the PNL has been a correct one, assumed by the entire leadership, without mistakes in the last two years. He rejected the need for approval from the Cluj organization for Tișe's candidacy, highlighting the freedom of each member to run. ^[16]

Mircea Abrudean, President of the Senate, was also taxed for Tișe's statements. He let it be understood that, momentarily, no Congress has been announced, the only one taking place in early summer, but recognized that, although he does not know if one will be needed in the future, shortly after the summer Congress, dissatisfaction manifested inside the party. He supported that the PNL has regained consistency and kept a clear line, and the results will be seen in the 2028 elections. ^[16]

Update

Alin Tișe challenges Bolojan's 'red lines': 'You are cut off from reality'

Alin Tișe, President of Cluj County Council, added criticism to the current PNL president, Ilie Bolojan, regarding strategy, supporting that establishing 'red lines' towards other parliamentary parties demonstrates a cut from reality, given that liberals have only 13% of the seats in Parliament. He specifies that the PNL must 'govern through ourselves,' not being dependent on the PSD or USR, but, after the elections, the party is due to find formulas of government that ensure the majority in the country. 'When you establish red lines between the PNL and party X and party Y, you actually establish red lines between the PNL and the Romanian people. Because in Parliament the whole people is represented, with different percentages. If you want to govern with 13% in Parliament and establish red lines with all other parties, as if you hold 99% of the votes, it demonstrates that you are cut off from reality,' stated Alin Tișe at România TV. In the opinion of the candidate for PNL Presidency, the real 'red lines' should not be the prohibition of certain partnerships, but principles of good governance. Alin Tișe specified which are, according to him, the real 'red lines,' accusing Ilie Bolojan of duplicity and recalling the support that the former prime minister previously granted to the coalition with the PSD and USR. 'That is, Mr. Ilie Bolojan, when he was enthroned prime minister, was happy with the support of the PSD and was delighted to have the support of the PSD and the USR, and later, when the PSD considered to submit a motion of censure, the PSD became bad. In other words, in politics, when you go into Parliament, and you are mandated to lead the country, you are not allowed to put red lines between yourself and other parties, because that would imply that you do not take into account the will of the people,' argued Tișe. According to Alin Tișe, the PNL should not draw red lines of a political order, but concentrate on the benefits of the population. He listed the following principles as the real 'red lines': 'do not impoverish the population, do not cut into people's pensions and salaries, do not suffocate the business environment, do not subject the country to the interests of one person'. He concluded that these are the standards for a party, 'not what Mr. Bolojan understood from red lines.' Ilie Bolojan's reaction to the criticisms launched by Alin Tișe has already been taken up and reported in previous articles. The President of the PNL confirmed that there is no question of changing him from the leadership of the party. The context of the internal crisis expands: MEP Rareș Bogdan previously requested the organization of an Extraordinary Congress of the PNL in February or March 2027, with the aim of changing Ilie Bolojan. Before Tișe's announcement, on Sunday, November 1, Ilie Bolojan stated that there is no question of changing him from the leadership of the party. Bolojan's motivation for staying in power resides in the results of the congress and the decisions taken by a comfortable majority. He stated: 'The decision to go into opposition and to no longer collaborate with the PSD is a decision that was taken by a consistent majority of colleagues, for two reasons: one that pertains to Romania and one that pertains to the future of this party. Therefore, this direction is the one that the party will follow. Those who agree with this will activate inside the PNL, those who do not agree and want the PNL to be a clone or a keychain of the PSD, have only to leave on the path they desire.' ^[17]

Update

Alin Tișe announces candidacy for PNL Presidency and challenges Ilie Bolojan's leadership

Former Government spokesperson, Ioana Dogioiu, analyzed the recent actions of the opposition and the challengers within the National Liberal Party (PNL), stating that these initiatives serve the interests of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and its leader. ^[18]

Dogioiu compared the current situation with the previous period: 'Since Saturday, the strongman finds it hard at the shin-bones. Very hard. And at the difficult, friends jump, each with what they can. AUR jumps with the motion of the heavy heritage, the favorite theme of the strongman, which he hasn't managed to push efficiently because of the shin-bones. The partner of AUR is indifferent at the shin-bones,' she wrote. ^[18]

Ioana Dogioiu mentioned the announcement of Alin Tișe, President of Cluj County Council, candidacy for the PNL leadership, considering that this initiative has only the purpose of distracting attention. ^[18]

'The 'politician of love' jumps with a candidacy at a liberal congress that is not scheduled, to distract attention towards a problem that does not exist. And what does not exist must be invented. Good friends, of trust,' added Dochioiu. ^[18]

Alin Tișe's candidacy and the situation in the PNL ^[18]

Ioana Dogioiu's statements occur in the context where Alin Tișe announced his intention to take over the leadership of the PNL. As founder of the 'Conservative Platform,' he publicly contested the direction of the party. The Cluj leader asked for an independent leadership, without associations with the USR or PSD. ^[18]

Despite this announcement of candidacy, sources from inside the PNL indicate a lack of support for the immediate organization of a congress. The incumbent President of the PNL, Ilie Bolojan, excluded a change at the head of the party in the immediate future. He transmitted a direct message to challengers and invited those who want the PNL to become 'a clone or a keychain of the PSD' to leave the formation. ^[18]

Tensions in the PNL and Alin Tișe's candidacy ^[18]

Ioana Dogioiu's attack occurs in the context where Alin Tișe publicly announced his intention to take over the leadership of the PNL. Founder of the 'Conservative Platform,' President of Cluj County Council contested the current direction of the party, currently led by Ilie Bolojan. He asked for a total break from the influences of other formations and demanded the necessity of a leadership that does not depend on the USR or PSD. ^[18]

This announcement stirs the waters among liberals, recently passed into opposition. However, insiders indicate a lack of major support for the Cluj leader at this moment, and that 'the cart is placed before the oxen.' The Pucists in the PNL would prefer postponing a possible congress to gain time for organization. ^[18]

Moreover, the incumbent President of the PNL, Ilie Bolojan, excluded a change at the head of the party. He transmitted last week a message to challengers and invited those who want the PNL to be 'a clone or a keychain of the PSD' to leave the formation. ^[18]

Update

Raluca Turcan excludes an immediate Congress for the election of Bolojan

Raluca Turcan, vice-president of the PNL, stated at Podcasturile Cotidianul that there is currently no Congress scheduled for the election of the president, Ilie Bolojan remaining in office. She criticized the internal debate, interpreting it as an effort by the opposition to weaken current leadership. ^[19]

Turcan explained that the decision not to convene a congress was taken to offer the leadership team time to support the direction imposed by Bolojan. She mentioned that a previous congress had been annulled by the courts, in the context of challenging internal decisions. ^[19]

Since the decisions of statutory bodies were challenged judicially, the vice-president of the PNL awaits the final decisions of the courts, specifying that a Congress may take place subsequently. However, support for Bolojan is currently a majority one. ^[19]

Raluca Turcan accused leaders who contest the current direction of the party of missing from efforts to explain measures during difficult periods, but reappearing now to criticize leadership, thus weakening the National Liberal Party. ^[19]

Regarding the role of President Klaus Iohannis in the context of internal politics, Turcan remarked that there were no clear signals from the Cotroceni Palace, neither before nor after the overthrowing of the Bolojan Government by the PSD and AUR. ^[19]

Turcan accused President Iohannis of inappropriate intervention, designating Adrian Veștea, a man from inside the PNL, over the decisions of management bodies, at a critical moment, which was interpreted as an attempt to break up the PNL. ^[19]

According to the PNL vice-president, the designation of Veștea was the result of promises of re-establishing PNL-PSD collaboration and a potential break-up of the party, in the context of what Turcan labeled as 'putsch-promotions-PSED'. ^[19]

Turcan compared the president's reaction to the overthrowing of the Bolojan Government with that in the case of the Niculescu Government, where the president was signaled to have promised the dissolution of Parliament if the government did not pass the vote. ^[19]

According to Turcan, President Iohannis intervened subsequently to impose a clear direction of excluding AUR from government, at a moment when he had participated in the overthrowing of a government leading Romania in a 'good direction'. ^[19]

Raluca Turcan regretted that no public signals of support for the Bolojan government were given before the submission of the motion of censure by the PSD and AUR, considering that the silence of the president was a strategic error. ^[19]

Although mentioning there is public debate over the salary law, Turcan observed the lack of real political enthusiasm for a new law that eliminates salary inequities, preferring the loyalization of categories through promises of increases. ^[19]

The PNL vice-president described the variant of the salary law perfected by Dragoș Pîslaru, which ensured principles of equity without decreasing incomes in payment and brought back the salaries of some professional categories behind. ^[19]

Turcan highlighted that the new system of salary grids and regulation of bonuses would have resulted in the increase of salaries for almost 95% of state employees, bringing European funds and bringing equity. ^[19]

She expressed surprise and dissatisfaction at the vehement opposition of the trade unions to this law, labeling reactions as resulting from manipulation, given the economic and social advantages of the project. ^[19]

Asked about the elimination of CASS for mothers, Raluca Turcan proposed alternative measures, submitting a bill of law so that parents on childcare leave receive simultaneously both the allowance and the salary. ^[19]

The legislative project supported by Turcan would allow the inclusion in the workplace with doubling of income (salary + allowance) until the age of 2 years of the child, being presented as an efficient compensatory measure. ^[19]

Regarding the low number of women in the current Government and in its structure, Raluca Turcan rejected the comment, stating that neither the PNL excels in this regard and should reflect more on the presence of women in decision-making. ^[19]

Update

Alin Tișe announces candidacy for PNL Presidency and challenges Ilie Bolojan's leadership

The Premier and President of the PNL, Ilie Bolojan, and the Mayor of Cluj, Emil Boc, publicly delimited their position from Alin Tișe's candidacy for the presidency of the party. Boc, host of the meeting at the Cluj Town Hall with Bolojan, deliberately left Tișe outside the image teams and discussed administrative themes, although Tișe physically participated in the inauguration of the Cerebro-Vascular Pathology Center. After declaring his candidacy, Tișe asked that the voice of the voting base be respected, while Boc emphasized the status of the organization: 'Any party member has the right to run for any position in the PNL. But about these we will discuss at the moment and at the right time'. Meanwhile, Bolojan mentioned Tișe's revelations about a possible common alliance with USR in Timișoara, saying that it is time to assume roles, if conservative liberals are 'wise, not traitors'. ^[20]

Update

Emil Boc distances himself from Alin Tișe, who attacks Bolojan's line and the children's hospital

After Cluj County Council President, Alin Tișe, announced his candidacy for PNL leadership and launched attacks against the party leader, Ilie Bolojan, Cluj-Napoca Mayor, Emil Boc, publicly distanced himself from this initiative. The official declared himself dissatisfied with his colleague's public messages, stating: 'I was and I am not a supporter of the public posts of Mr. Tișe,' according to the local press. Boc clarified nonetheless that the PNL statute allows any member to run for any position. Emil Boc's sharp reaction was not confirmed by Alin Tișe, but was launched as a reply through Zilei de Cluj. The liberal formulated a grave accusation against former Premier Ilie Bolojan, related to the financing of local health infrastructure. 'When you refuse to finance a Children's Hospital like Mr. Bolojan did, it is a crime. For that I will never forget him. Cluj citizens who support Bolojan today should know that this man refused to give money to a Regional Children's Hospital and if he went to emergency with his child and stood in line for a few hours, what would he say? The rest is story... politics, but sad!', transmitted Tișe. The context of internal tensions in the PNL continues to develop after Tișe's announcement, which criticizes the 'wrong line' of the leadership led by Ilie Bolojan and calls for a Congress. Responses from the party included clear delimitations from local leaders, and reactions are polarized between supporters of the 'Conservative Platform' led by Tișe and the 'bolojanist' camp. Alin Tișe framed the dispute in a moral and public security context, raising the level of conflict from ideological debates to responsibility towards the community through the healthcare system, marking the escalation of the open conflict within the Cluj County organization of the PNL. The alliance between boc and tișe is excluded by boc, while tișe supports that it is about principles and results, not political loyalties. The President of Cluj County Council, Alin Tișe, announced on Wednesday, November 4, his candidacy for the position of President of the National Liberal Party (PNL), at the future Congress of the formation. Tișe supports that the PNL is heading in the wrong direction and that a change of strategy is needed, by returning to the values of the right and reducing dependence on other political formations, especially the USR and PSD. When asked to specify the reasons why he entered politics, Tișe answered that he does not want to run for an office, but to give the party a purpose and a direction. 'I am not running for an office. I am running to restore the PNL's strength to decide, to build, and to govern,' transmitted Alin Tișe. The liberal candidate is concerned that the PNL has lost touch with the base electorate and with the proper functioning of party structures. Liberal him asserts that he wants a party where its members matter, and decisions are taken together, respecting the will of those who win elections. 'I am a committed politician, with good and bad, who always preferred to let facts speak. And the results are visible. I have never campaigned in my career with the support of the PSD or in alliance with the PSD or any other political party. I am a lawyer by profession, with thorough studies, completed at the appropriate time, but also an entrepreneur and associate in the private sector. I know both the responsibility of public administration and the realities of the private sector. (...) I believe that the PNL must regain its identity, electorate, and strength to represent the Romanian right. To stand with our nation, with the country and with Romanians,' transmitted Tișe. ^[21]

Update

Alin Tișe announces candidacy for PNL Presidency and challenges Ilie Bolojan's leadership

The President of Cluj County Council, Alin Tișe, publicly replied to the head of the PNL Cluj, Emil Boc, who distanced him from his political posts. Tișe launched a direct attack against the Premier and President of the PNL, Ilie Bolojan, accusations related to the financing of the health structure in Cluj.[sora:E947357|ZIUA de CLUJ] ^[22]

'When you refuse to finance a Children's Hospital like Mr. Bolojan did, it is a crime. For that I will never forget him. Cluj citizens who support Bolojan today should know that this man refused to give money to a Regional Children's Hospital and if he went to emergency with his child and stood in line for a few hours, what would he say? The rest is story...politics but sad!', transmitted Alin Tișe.[sora:E947357|ZIUA de CLUJ] ^[22]

Emil Boc was asked on Thursday about Tișe's candidacy for PNL leadership and whether he would support him.[sora:E947357|local press.] ^[22]

Boc stated: 'I was and I am not any supporter of the public posts of Mr. Tișe. The PNL statute is clear: any member has the right to run for any position. We will discuss about these at the moment and at the right time, in the party.' ^[22]