PSD (Social Democrat Party) has rallied in view of the electoral confrontations in the second half of this year. The Standing Delegation of the ruling party (a restricted PSD decision-making body) on Monday night called the branch leaders for a videoconference and gave them a clear message: whoever does not get to work will be in trouble. The final point of the joint effort called for is winning the presidential, parliamentary and local elections. The strategy to be detailed in a few weeks is largely set.
The first step would be a rejuvenation of the Government's image by reshuffling, as mentioned by PSD's executive chairman Octav Cozmanca on Tuesday, who did not care to say which ministerial positions were targeted, though. The idea had been expressed by Prime Minister Adrian Nastase at the end of last year.
According to the strategy presented by PSD's executive chairman on Tuesday, the party has also set its electoral targets and dedicated some promises to them. In an electoral year, PSD is therefore promising higher pensions and better roads to the people living in rural areas, a target segment of PSD voters. The party is luring the urban voters with the promise of lower upkeep bills and raises for budget-paid employees.
PSD's executive chairman says the County Councils were ordered to find the necessary funds to rehabilitate the roads in rural areas and the ministries were instructed to complete works on the gyms, hospitals and homes for the elderly promised in 2000 (when PSD came in power). The heads of the regies autonomes were told to no longer inflate the bills paid by individual consumers, to disguise their losses, or else "firm steps" will be taken, Cozmanca says. He added," PSD's Standing Delegation ordered controls to be conducted at the producers and distributors of thermal power, so that the people would no longer be forced to pay for network leaks."
Inquired why these steps had not been taken sooner, Cozmanca replied, "We've been demanding until now, as well. The point is no steps have been taken against those bending the law."
Also on Tuesday, PSD's executive chairman detailed the campaign strategy involving the party members. "We need a radical change of pace in tackling the affairs of the party and a committed, militant attitude, (...) to work day and night. Not mimicking for the sake of artistic impression."
The ruling party is determined to have Ion Iliescu by its side during elections and has already got him a position as PSD-sponsored independent candidate for Senate. iulian.anghel@zf.ro
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