PNL party leaders gathered at the Vila Lac after the coalition meeting, where Bucharest mayor Ciprian Ciucu pressed for additional funding to address the city’s dire budget situation, including the looming insolvency of the public transport operator STB. Party leader Ilie Bolojan listened quietly but did not offer a direct response, instead suggesting the mayor seek support from the national government. The discussion also touched on the broader national budget, deficit issues, and economic recovery measures that will be negotiated in Brussels by Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare. Ciucu outlined potential solutions such as a 2024 referendum to consolidate city taxes and a “sacrifice fund” for sectoral mayors, but the proposals were met with mixed reception among liberal members.

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