The camps are now very clear, with the Opposition red and yellow [Ed. n. Social Democratic and Liberal] and the ruling power orange and green [Democratic Liberal and Democratic Hungarian], with chances of the colours merging to become something else.
The ruling power is dominated by PD-L, the party to decide the new Executive and parliamentary majority. This political reality is the reason why Traian Băsescu has designated three Prime Ministers close to the Democratic Liberals or from the party itself.
At this moment, PD-L is calling the political shots. Băsescu’s reelection is due to an exemplary mobilization of the Democatic Liberals, and it is expected that main party figures will be part of the next Executive, includingVasile Blaga, Radu Berceanu, and Adriean Videanu.
Parliamentary reform, and a rethinking of the Constitution will be subjects which PD-L will deal with based on the President’s vision.
The Hungarian leadership acted true to form, becoming part of the government, helping to form the parliamentary majority needed to pass the Executive. The governing experience of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) has proven it is a disciplined partner, making it a political player with a decisive role on the political stage.
However, there is a delicate balance between the Opposition and the Ruling Power, which could change in two instances: either by massive desertion from the National Liberal Party (PNL) or the Social Democratic Party (PSD), or by a return of UDMR to the Opposition, which gives the Hungarians some leverage to promote their own governing agenda.
The group of Independents in Parliament stand a good chance of serving as the “scarecrow” used by PD-L to bring pressure to bear on the Opposition. What began as simple exits from PNL and PSD is quickly turning into a snowball effect, a distinct political grouping, which could become a strange entity. Without logistical, territorial support, the independents cannot create a new party, but their power will be in the legislature, both in terms of constitutional change and to pass laws in Parliament.
