Chairman of the Save Romania Union (USR) Dominic Fritz said on Monday that the no-confidence motion may not gather enough votes to pass, adding that a minority government is a 'realistic' and 'healthy' option, and that USR is not afraid of early elections or switching to the opposition.

'USR is prepared to continue working in the ministries it leads until the last moment. Tomorrow we will explore all options. A minority government is a realistic and, we believe, a healthy variant. Of course, we are not afraid of early elections or opposition,' Fritz told a press conference at the Palace of Parliament.

He reiterated that USR would not negotiate with PSD if the Social Democrats vote for the motion alongside AUR. 'If PSD votes for this motion, it sends a clear message that it no longer wants us to follow a pro-European, let alone reformist, direction,' he said.

Fritz added that USR will present the same position at the consultations with President Nicusor Dan. 'The president will call us to listen to our options. And our option is clear: Romania's pro-European direction can no longer depend on PSD.'

The USR leader rejected speculation that President Dan wants to let Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan off. 'I have not heard the president asking for the prime minister's removal. This is a narrative spread, including by PSD. I believe the president is concerned and wants a solution. And based on our principles, USR is open to being part of such a solution to get Romania out of this crisis.'

Fritz voiced his conviction that the motion was initiated because PSD and AUR oppose 'real reforms' and cutting privileges. 'PSD and AUR lawmakers together do not have enough votes. This conflict is not about Ilie Bolojan. They take issue with the fact that we have started real reforms, we have cut spending and access to state resources for their privileged networks. That hurts, and that is why they want this government gone,' he said.

The censure motion titled 'STOP the 'Bolojan Plan' of destroying the economy, impoverishing the population and fraudulently selling state assets', submitted by PSD, AUR and PACE - Romania First, was presented last week to the Parliament plenum. It will be debated and voted on Tuesday at 11:00, in a secret ballot with balls. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Irinela Visan; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)