Adrian Veștea, named Prime Minister-designate by President Nicușor Dan on June 14, announced June 19 he will run for the presidency of the National Liberal Party against incumbent Ilie Bolojan. The challenge comes as the PNL prepares for an Extraordinary Congress this weekend.

Veștea's appointment has been read by some Liberals as an attempt by President Dan to dislodge Bolojan. The PNL responded by refusing to back Veștea's proposed government. USR and UDMR took the same position. Only the Social Democratic Party has declared support for Veștea's cabinet.

Veștea asked PNL leadership to postpone the congress, scheduled for this weekend, to June 28, after the parliamentary vote on his government. He is preparing a motion for the party presidency, pledging to find "the necessary governmental solutions for the country's recovery" and maintain an "honest political partnership with the president of Romania, Mr. Nicușor Dan."

The PNL is moving forward. The party's Extraordinary National Council meets June 19, a procedural requirement before convening the Extraordinary Congress. Bolojan and his allies are seeking to expel Veștea from the party during the congress, which would end his premiership bid.

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A majority of PNL parliamentarians, led by Bolojan, decided June 15 not to vote for Veștea's cabinet. Those who break ranks face exclusion from the party. The vote on Veștea's government has been delayed by internal disagreements and lack of parliamentary support.

Sixteen Liberal MPs backing Veștea filed suit at the Ilfov Tribunal, asking the court to suspend the PNL's exclusion decision. The tribunal approved the request within two hours. The PNL said the ruling does not affect its activities or political plans.

The party maintains its refusal to vote for a Veștea government and will proceed with the Extraordinary Congress. The PNL also rejects any political cooperation with PSD. It contests the Ilfov Tribunal's jurisdiction, arguing that its headquarters are in Bucharest and that internal party decisions should not be subject to judicial review.

A judicial source told G4Media that courts are not competent to judge internal party matters, as doing so would infringe upon the freedom of association. Legal experts noted that if the tribunal's decision is enforceable, it could limit party control over its representatives.