Save Romania Union (USR) Gorj leader and MP Radu Miruta said on Saturday at the party's congress in Timisoara that being in opposition was not a break from political activity, reaffirming USR's goal of building a reformist alliance capable of winning the next elections.

'I had the honour of working for and representing USR in three ministries. When I arrived, there was an unwritten rule that seemed to permeate the walls: 'There's nothing you can do about them, they've been here for 30 years.' Today, I can say it loud and clear that this is not true. Things can be changed, we can do things differently, and we have proved it,' Miruta told delegates gathered to elect the party's National Bureau.

He accused the Social Democratic Party (PSD) of complaining about the changes made by USR ministers, who, he said, had dismantled entrenched arrangements and replaced them with qualified, responsible professionals.

Miruta, who heads one of three teams competing for seats on the National Bureau, stressed that USR had unanimously rejected a government 'run from PSD headquarters with a majority backed by AUR.'

He contrasted PSD's record in government with that of USR's five ministers, saying they had worked tirelessly, challenged established practices, promoted competent professionals and held underperforming officials accountable.

'Since 1990, PSD has had 223 ministers who were party members, not even counting those they brought into government from outside the party. USR had five ministers in this government who worked every day, disrupted their arrangements, promoted capable people and held those who failed to do their jobs accountable,' he said.

Miruta also criticised PSD figures, including party Chairman Sorin Grindeanu, accusing them of pursuing political distractions rather than addressing substantive issues.

The former minister outlined three commitments for USR in opposition.

'Opposition is not a break for USR. Today, I make three commitments before you: first, we will keep a close watch on every ministry. Every contract, every irregularity and every law will be brought to public attention by USR. Second, for every criticism, we will offer a proposal, backed by people and figures. Third, we will move beyond the big cities, because elections in Romania are won by reaching people who have never voted for us because they have never seen us,' he said.

Miruta also reaffirmed the party's ambition to win control of 100 mayoralties and build a reformist political force capable of winning future elections. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Popescu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)