Prime minister-designate Eugen Tomac expressed confidence on Monday, after talks with Save Romania Union (USR) leaders, that USR would support the cabinet he intends to propose in Parliament.

'I hope our colleagues in USR will show a great sense of responsibility. Beyond their legitimate reasons for expressing reservations on certain issues, which I believe we have clarified, I leave here confident because they are mature politicians with considerable experience and people who value this country and want Romania to stay on the right track. I would very much like to continue working closely with USR, just as we have over all these years. (...) I leave with hope and, naturally, I want USR to support the cabinet I am proposing. Beyond political tensions, we must look to Romania's national interest and provide the country with a government,' Tomac told a news conference at USR headquarters.

He stressed that Romania is facing an 'unprecedented political crisis' and needs a stable government capable of taking decisions in the country's interest.

Tomac said he had explained to USR President Dominic Fritz why he had accepted the responsibility of forming a cabinet at a time of political tension, why he intended to propose a technocratic rather than a political government, and why Romania needed a functioning executive.

He also said Romanians need greater security and guarantees that the country will not move in the wrong direction, while reaffirming Romania's commitment to European values and the transatlantic partnership.

Asked whether he would still seek Parliament's approval even without the certainty of a majority, Tomac answered in the affirmative.

'I am a committed and responsible person. I will go all the way. My duty is to inform the parties about the objectives I have set and to tell citizens that there is a solution to this deadlock. I am honoured by the confidence President Nicusor Dan has placed in me. At this moment, I believe this is the best solution to move things forward, especially as the deadlines we face are pressing us to overcome this impasse,' he said.

The prime minister-designate underlined that he would not include in his cabinet any member holding a party card from the current Parliament.

He also noted that the People's Movement Party (PMP), in the last election it contested, had secured nearly 5% of the vote.

'There are funds the European Union is ready to provide. We have urgent issues that require immediate attention. Every day without a government is a worse day for every Romanian citizen. That is why I have assumed this responsibility. I am fully aware of the situation the country is facing. I want to preserve the good things already achieved and I hope the parties will give me this chance to break the current deadlock,' Tomac added.

The USR delegation attending the meeting with Tomac included party leader Dominic Fritz, Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Radu Miruta, leader of the USR deputies Diana Stoica, leader of the USR senators Sorin Sipos and MP Cezar Dragoescu, a member of the party's National Bureau. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Irinela Visan; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)