President Klaus Iohannis says he is not involved in coalition talks on a new government, but expects them to be completed as soon as possible.

“Issues related to the distribution of ministries are discussed between the parties. But I expect that these negotiations will be completed by next week,” the head of state said on Wednesday.

Negotiations have begun on a new government to be headed by PSD leader Marcel Čolaku.

The PSD and the PNL met on Tuesday in simultaneous meetings, at the end of which Marcel Çolaku and Nicolae Chouquet came out to present their mandates for the talks.

Both have said they want to cut the number of ministries and secretaries of state. As for the portfolio, everything is negotiable.

“The mandate has two main elements: maintaining the protocol and any departure from the protocol aimed at revising the distribution of ministries,” said Nicolae Chuke.

Marcel Cholaku has announced that he still wants Sorin Grindeana in transport, whose portfolio will return according to the PNL protocol. The Liberals, however, according to some party sources, will give up and instead stick to European funds, finance and justice.

When asked if he would join Marcel Cholacu’s government, Nicolae Chuke said he had not yet made a decision. At the same time, sources in the party claim that the current prime minister will remain in the government in the positions of vice prime minister and minister of internal affairs.