The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament (EP) voiced its support for the Social Democratic Party (PSD) in a statement released in Brussels, in which it also criticises European People's Party (EPP) Group leader Manfred Weber, for a 'lack of political coherence,' following his public statement of support for the National Liberal Party (PNL) on Wednesday.

'Romania needs a pro-European coalition. Genuine cooperation and accountability - not selective narratives, extremism, or political double standards - must guide our European future. Social-democrats stand for people!,' leader of the S&D Group in the European Parliament Iratxe Garcia Perez posted on the X platform on Wednesday.

In turn, the S&D Group issued a statement reading: 'In times of uncertainty, clarity and honesty matter more than ever. Romania is a strong European country, built on the democratic choices of its citizens. These choices must be respected, fully and without selective interpretation.'

The S&D Group draws attention that 'the Social Democratic Party is not a marginal actor in Romania. It is a central force of democratic representation, the biggest party in the Romanian Parliament and continues to represent a significant part of Romanian society in the governing coalition. This reality was recently reaffirmed by, where nearly 5,000 elected representatives, mayors, local leaders, and officials, expressed their position regarding the government with 98% support. This is a powerful signal of cohesion and responsibility from those closest to the citizens.'

The Socialists and Democrats reiterate that, at European level, they 'have always supported Romania's path towards stability, reforms, and convergence,' but point out that 'support must be grounded in truth, balance, and respect for all democratic actors.'

'In the recent letter sent by the EPP leader Manfred Weber, we witnessed a lack of political coherence, ignoring parliamentary mathematics and the fact that this government is not the result of a single force or politician, so it cannot only represent the views of the pro-austerity right. Romania's progress has always been built through cooperation,' the S&D statement also reads.

EPP leader Manfred Weber on Wednesday said that 'Unfortunately, we see that the Social Democratic Party of Romania has stepped away from its pro-European commitments. It is now opposing the very measures agreed upon within the governing coalition: to strengthen the Romanian economy and make it more resilient, for the benefit of the people and also putting at risk the much needed legislative reform package for the RRF funding. Depriving Romania of billions of euros of EU funding because of populist reasoning would be a major blow to Romania's democracy and stability.'

The S&D Group underscores in its statement that 'there are principles that must remain non-negotiable.'

'Across Europe, we are witnessing a rise in extremism. In this context, political leaders have a responsibility to act with clarity. This means firmly rejecting any form of governmental cooperation with extremist forces, and ensuring that public discourse remains respectful and free from unacceptable language, dehumanisation and discrimination. Manfred Weber must have forgotten to ask his EPP member party, PNL, why they are not rejecting the support of the far-right to stay in power, and why they have used a well-known fascist trope, calling all social democrats and their voters ‘rats,' before the recent referendum. This attitude of the leader of PNL demonstrates a lack of ‘good-will in working with PSD Romania and shows similarities with the political discourse of the far-right,' the S&D statement reads.

The Socialists and Democrats draw attention that 'silence or ambiguity on these issues risks weakening public trust and undermining democratic values. Romania deserves a political climate based on responsibility, dialogue, and mutual respect, where reforms are pursued, but also explained; where economic stability goes hand in hand with social fairness; and where European values are upheld in practice, not only in statements.'

The S&D representatives also maintain that they 'remain committed to supporting Romania in this direction: a country that is pro-European, democratic, and united against extremism.'

Last but not least, the members of the S&D Group in the European Parliament point out that 'we strongly support the public statements made by PSD Romania, pledging to fully support the implementation of all commitments made by the country at European and international level, despite the complicated political context,' mentioning that 'this shows a lot more responsibility than the current Prime Minister has shown in recent weeks.'

'In the end, the strength of Europe lies in the integrity and balance of its political leaders and democracies,' the S&D statement concludes. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florin Stefan; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)