In late July 2005 Mike Hancock MP and Matthew Waldman visited Romania for four days to meet with members of the Romanian Liberal Party, PNL, and to see if the UK Lib Dems could provide assistance or support to them.

PNL, which was admitted to Liberal International and ELDR in 1999, did well in recent elections, becoming the second largest party in both the chambers of the Romanian parliament. Subsequently, they became the leading partner in a governing coalition. It is a young party – the average age of their parliamentarians is 35 – and there is a real opportunity for a new approach to Romanian governance. 

A major challenge for the government, which hopes to take Romania into the EU in 2007, will be to increase competition, tackle corruption, and improve the administration of justice. There is also a clear need for action to promote social justice, equality and respect for human rights. The party has begun to implement a programme of reform, but effective leadership and a range of policies to tackle both economic and social problems, will no doubt be required to make progress.

The UK Lib Dems may be able to assist the PNL with training on policy development, campaigning between elections, at both a local and national level, and on promoting the participation of women in politics.

A new government provides a new opportunity for Romania. PNL are well placed to take forward a programme of reform; I hope the UK Liberal Democrats can support them in the challenges ahead.  

Matt Waldman

Foreign Affairs and Defence Adviser