Within the process of devising the government program, the candidate for premiership holds consultations with all the social players, but should also take into account the electoral programs of the parties on whose support he counts. IPN asked two ex-Premiers to speak about their experience of working out government programs.

Dumitru Braghis, Prime Minister in 1999-2001, said the designated candidate for the post of Premier first of all analyzes the electoral programs of the parties from which he will seek support in Parliament. Secondly, the colleagues from the Government submit their own suggestions. Thirdly, there are also the promises made by the Government to the foreign partners. At internal level, the candidate holds discussions with representatives of the business sector, the banking system, trade unions, the local public administration, etc.,” he stated.

Dumitru Braghis also said that neither the candidate for premiership, nor the government program appear out of the blue. That’s why the allotted 15 days are enough for the designated candidate to present his program and the Cabinet.

Vasile Tarlev, Premier in 2001-2008, said each candidate decides by himself his tactic and strategy, with whom to have consultations and how to work out the program. “Normally, the candidate should form a team of experts who would state their basic ideas. It is important to consult the parties of the alliance and the social partners, including the employers, trade unions, civil society and representatives of such important sectors as economy, research and healthcare,” he stated.

Vasile Tarlev noted that it’s not mandatory for the candidate to discuss with the foreign partners. “Good discussions can help, but if the candidate does not cope and will not implement his program, he will not look well,” he said.

President Nicolae Timofti on January 28 signed a decree by which acting Prime Minister Iurie Leanca was nominated for premiership. Under the Constitution, Iurie Leanca has 15 days to ask for the Parliament’s vote of confidence for the government program and the Cabinet. The Cabinet is invested by at least 51 votes of MP of the 101 who form the legislature.