National Liberal Party (Romania) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids <div style="padding-top:0.3em; padding-bottom:0.3em; border-top:2px solid Lua error in Module:European_and_national_party_data/config at line 227: attempt to index field 'data' (a nil value).; border-bottom:2px solid Lua error in Module:European_and_national_party_data/config at line 227: attempt to index field 'data' (a nil value).; line-height: 1;"> National Liberal Party Partidul Național Liberal
Abbreviation	PNL
President	Ilie Bolojan
Secretary-General	Dan Motreanu
Spokesman	Ionuț-Marian Stroe
First Vice Presidents	Adrian Veștea Cătălin Predoiu Nicoleta Pauliuc Ciprian Ciucu
Leader in the Senate	Cătălin-Daniel Fenechiu [ro]
Leader in the Chamber	Gabriel Andronache
Leader in the European Parliament	Rareș Bogdan
Founded	24 May 1875; 150 years ago (1875-05-24) 15 January 1990; 35 years ago (1990-01-15)
Preceded by	National Liberal Party (historical)
Headquarters	Modrogan nr 1, Sector 1, Bucharest
Student wing	Liberal Student Clubs
Youth wing	National Liberal Youth
Women's wing	Liberal Women National Organisation
Membership (2023)	c. 182,000
Ideology	Christian democracy Social conservatism
Political position	Centre-right
National affiliation	Alliances Romanian Democratic Convention (1991–92; 93–95) Justice and Truth Alliance (2003–07) Centre Right Alliance (2011–13) Social Liberal Union (2011–14) Christian Liberal Alliance (Jul–Nov 14) National Coalition for Romania (2021–25) Romania Forward (Feb–May 2025)
European affiliation	European People's Party
International affiliation	Centrist Democrat International International Democracy Union
European Parliament group	European People's Party Group
Colours	Yellow      Blue
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Chamber of Deputies	Lua error in Module:European_and_national_party_data/config at line 227: attempt to index field 'data' (a nil value).
European Parliament	Lua error in Module:European_and_national_party_data/config at line 227: attempt to index field 'data' (a nil value).
Mayors	1,248 / 3,176
County Presidents	17 / 41
County Councilors	489 / 1,340
Local Council Councilors	12,767 / 39,900
Ministers	3 / 16
Website
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^ A: re-established after the Romanian Revolution

The National Liberal Party (PNL) is a major political party in Romania. It is currently the country's third largest political party. The PNL was started again in January 1990, right after the Romanian Revolution that ended communism in Romania. It sees itself as carrying on the ideas of an older party with the same name that was active from 1875 to 1947.

Because of its long history, the PNL often says it was the first official political party in Romania. It also claims to be the oldest liberal party in Europe.

The PNL's Journey Through Time

Until 2014, the PNL was part of a European group called the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). In June 2014, the party changed its rules and joined the European People's Party (EPP). Most of its members in the European Parliament then joined the EPP group.

In September 2014, the PNL officially became a full member of the EPP. It then joined forces with another party, the Democratic Liberal Party (PDL). The PNL was also part of the Liberal International before it switched to the Centrist Democrat International. Today, the PNL is the second-largest party in the Parliament of Romania, with many seats in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. It also has the most members in the European Parliament from Romania.

Locally, the PNL often works closely with the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania (FDGR/DFDR) in areas like Banat and Transylvania. It also used to work with the Christian Democratic National Peasants' Party (PNȚCD) in southern Romania.

After winning the 2020 Romanian local elections, the PNL became the leading party in Transylvania, Banat, and Bukovina. It then formed new alliances with other parties, like USR PLUS. As of mid-2023, the PNL also has the most county and local councilors across Romania, making it very important at the local level. However, it comes in second place for the total number of mayors, behind the Social Democratic Party (PSD).

In late 2021, the PNL ended its alliance with USR PLUS (now called USR). It then formed a government with the UDMR, supported by President Klaus Iohannis. This led to a three-month political challenge in 2021. The PNL then worked with its former rivals, the PSD, in November 2021. This created a big government group called the National Coalition for Romania (CNR), which led to the Ciucă government with Nicolae Ciucă as Prime Minister.

In June 2023, Prime Minister Ciucă stepped down as planned, and Marcel Ciolacu (the PSD leader) became the new Prime Minister. The UDMR left the government, but the PNL is still the second-largest party in the current government, sharing power equally with the PSD.

How the Party Started and Grew (1990–2010)

The National Liberal Party (PNL) was re-established in January 1990, just a few days after the Romanian Revolution. In its early years, the party was led by Radu Câmpeanu and Mircea Ionescu-Quintus. Both had been members of the original PNL and youth leaders before and after World War II.

In the 1990 elections, the PNL became the third-largest party in the Parliament of Romania. Radu Câmpeanu came in second in the presidential elections that year. In December 1990, the Socialist Liberal Party joined forces with the PNL.

The PNL, along with the Christian Democratic National Peasants' Party (PNȚCD) and other groups, formed the Romanian Democratic Convention (CDR). This was an effort to create a strong opposition to the ruling National Salvation Front (FSN), which was seen as linked to the former Communist Party. However, before the 1992 elections, Câmpeanu decided the PNL would leave the CDR and run on its own. One reason was that Câmpeanu did not want the PNL to run with the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR).

This decision turned out to be a mistake for the PNL. The party did not win enough votes to enter Parliament and was out of government from 1992 to 1996. This also caused some groups to leave the PNL, with some staying in the CDR and others forming a new party called PNL-C.

After a change in leadership, with Ionescu-Quintus becoming the new leader in 1995, the PNL joined the CDR again for the 1996 elections. These elections were important because they marked the first peaceful change of power in Romania after 1989. The PNL, PNȚCD, Democratic Party (PD), and UDMR formed a large government group. The CDR's candidate, Emil Constantinescu, also won the presidency.

Years in Opposition and New Governments (2000–2010)

Between 1996 and 2000, the CDR government faced challenges, and the PNL decided to leave the alliance again before the 2000 elections. This time, the party won seats in Parliament but could not form a government.

In the mid-2000s (starting in 2003), the PNL teamed up with the PD to create the Justice and Truth Alliance (DA). They ran in the 2004 elections as an alternative to the ruling PSD. The alliance came in second place, formed a government, and also won the presidency that year.

Until April 2007, the PNL was the largest part of the Justice and Truth Alliance government. In April 2007, the PNL Prime Minister, Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu, formed a smaller government only with the UDMR. This caused some disagreements within the party, and a group left to form the Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), which later merged with the PD to become the Democratic Liberal Party (PDL).

After the 2008 elections, the PNL came in third and became an opposition party. Its new leader, Crin Antonescu, finished third in the 2009 presidential election. The PNL remained in opposition until mid-2012 when it joined the Social Liberal Union (USL) government.

Around the same time, Klaus Iohannis, who was then the president of the FDGR/DFDR, was nominated twice by the PNL (with the support of the PSD and PC) in 2009, but the nominations were rejected by the President at the time, Traian Băsescu.

Alliances and Return to Power (2010–2020)

On February 5, 2011, the PNL formed the Social Liberal Union (USL) with the PSD, UNPR, and PC. The PNL left the USL on February 25, 2014, and went back into opposition. After the 2014 European elections, the PNL leader, Crin Antonescu, announced the party wanted to join the European People's Party (EPP). Five of the PNL's members in the European Parliament then joined the EPP Group. In late May 2014, the party agreed to merge with the Democratic Liberal Party (PDL). Their main goal was to have a joint candidate for the upcoming presidential election. This alliance was called the Christian Liberal Alliance (ACL).

On June 27, 2014, former PNL chairman Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu announced he would start a new liberal party because he disagreed with the merger with the PDL. This new party, the Liberal Reformist Party (PLR), was founded on July 3, 2014. On July 17, 2014, it was announced that the merged PNL and PDL would keep the National Liberal Party name. On July 26, 2014, both parties approved the merger.

In the 2014 presidential election, the ACL candidate, Klaus Iohannis, who was also the PNL president and Mayor of Sibiu, came in second in the first round. Iohannis then won the second round on November 16, 2014, with 54.5% of the votes. In the 2016 local and legislative elections, the PNL came in second, behind the PSD, and remained in opposition until 2019 when it returned to power.

For the 2019 presidential election, the party supported Klaus Iohannis for a second term. They also named Ludovic Orban, a former party president, as their choice for Prime Minister if the PNL won the 2020 elections. In June 2018, Iohannis publicly announced he would run for a second presidential term.

In 2019, two smaller parties, the PND and PACT, joined the PNL, increasing its membership. In late 2019, the PNL formed a government led by Orban, with support from other parties like USR and PMP. This government focused on managing the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects.

Recent Governments and Leadership Changes (2020–Present)

Electoral banner of the PNL for the 2020 Romanian legislative election displayed in Bucharest (November 2020). The Romanian caption translates to: 'We develop Romania #Succeeding! Together'.

The PNL worked with the 2020 USR-PLUS Alliance in the 2020 Romanian local elections, winning the mayor's office in Bucharest and many other cities. After the 2020 Romanian legislative election, the party agreed to form a government with USR PLUS and UDMR to provide stable leadership for Romania.

Ludovic Orban stepped down as prime minister in December 2020, and Nicolae Ciucă became acting prime minister. The PNL then proposed Florin Cîțu as the new prime minister, who had been the Minister of Public Finance. Cîțu took office on December 23, 2020, after a strong vote of confidence in Parliament.

In September 2021, USR-PLUS left the government because they disagreed with Prime Minister Cîțu's decisions. This caused a major government challenge. The PNL then formed a smaller government with the UDMR.

Leadership of Florin Cîțu (September 2021–April 2022)

On September 25, 2021, at a PNL meeting in Bucharest, Florin Cîțu was elected the party's new president. He was the 10th president since 1989. The next day, the party's new leadership team under Cîțu was approved. Former president Ludovic Orban then resigned from his position as President of the Chamber of Deputies.

Public opinion polls in 2021 showed a decrease in trust for both Cîțu as Prime Minister and the PNL. On October 5, 2021, the government led by Cîțu was removed by a large vote from other parties. Cîțu remained as acting prime minister until a new government was formed.

On October 11, President Klaus Iohannis nominated USR leader Dacian Cioloș to form a new government, but Parliament rejected him. Iohannis then appointed Nicolae Ciucă as acting Prime Minister on October 21, 2021. In early November 2021, there were discussions about the PMP and ALDE possibly merging with the PNL. On November 12, 2021, Ludovic Orban was removed from the party, and he later founded his own party called "Force of the Right" in December 2021.

In early 2022, the PNL announced it was talking about merging with ALDE (without its former president, Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu) and also with PMP. On April 2, 2022, Florin Cîțu resigned as PNL president. Gheorghe Flutur became the acting president until a new leader was chosen on April 10, 2022.

Leadership of Nicolae Ciucă (April 2022–November 2024)

At a special party meeting on April 10, 2022, Nicolae Ciucă was elected the 11th president of the PNL since 1989. He was the first military leader in the party's history. Ciucă's main goal as PNL president was to keep the CNR government together until his term as prime minister ended in June 2023. After that, the PNL continued the CNR government only with the PSD, removing the UDMR, but still working with other minority groups in Parliament.

Under Ciucă's leadership, Romania faced some challenges in its democratic progress. Also, more PNL members and local politicians left the party, and some started new political groups. The party also saw a decrease in support in opinion polls for the upcoming elections.

Leadership of Ilie Bolojan (2024–Present)

After the PNL's results in the 2024 Romanian presidential election, and the resignation of Nicolae Ciucă, Ilie Bolojan became the party's acting president. He was also elected President of the Senate of Romania on November 25, 2024. Bolojan resigned from the Senate on February 12, 2025, to become the acting President of Romania after Klaus Iohannis resigned.

Parties Joining and Leaving the PNL

Diagram showing how the National Liberal Party (PNL) changed from 1990 to 2016.

Parties that Left PNL

• National Liberal Party - Youth Wing (1990)
• Liberal Union–Brătianu (1990)
• National Liberal Party - Democratic Convention (1991)
• National Liberal Party–Câmpeanu (1995)
• Liberal Democratic Party (2006)
• Liberal Reformist Party (2014)
• Liberal Right Party (2019)
• Force of the Right (2021)
• Liberal Conservative Platform (2022)
• Hope's Movement (2023)

Parties that Joined PNL

• Socialist Liberal Party (1990)
• Progressive Peasant Party (1993)
• New Liberal Party (1993)
• Liberal Party '93/Liberal Party (1998)
• Civic Alliance Party (1998)
• Alliance for Romania (2002)
• Union of Right-wing Forces (2003)
• National Liberal Party–Câmpeanu (2003)
• People's Action (2008)
• Democratic Force (2012)
• Democratic Liberal Party (2014)
• Popular Party (2015)
• National Democratic Party (2019)
• Youth Civic Action Platform (2019)
• Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (2022)
• Hope's Movement (2024)
• Liberal Right Party (2024)

What the PNL Believes In

The PNL officially follows the ideas of liberalism, especially conservative liberalism. The party also strongly supports being part of Europe. In recent years, it has focused more on economic liberalism, which means supporting free markets and less government control in the economy. The PNL also supports traditional values and policies. It believes in selling state-owned businesses to private companies, which is happening quickly in Romania and other former communist countries. Unlike some liberal parties in Western Europe, the PNL is more nationalist and traditional on social issues.

The party has different groups within it that support Christian democracy, ethnic nationalism, neoliberalism, and social conservatism. Some have called the party populist, but former president Florin Cîțu disagreed with this. After joining the European People's Party (EPP), especially under the leadership of Cîțu and Ciucă, the party became more conservative. The PNL does not support same-sex marriage or civil unions.

When it comes to the economy, the PNL believes that taxes should be lower. It also thinks that the private sector of the economy needs help from new laws to create more value. The party also wants to decentralize Romania's political system, giving more power to the country's eight regions. However, under Ciucă's leadership, the party also started to focus more on economic patriotism, which means supporting national businesses. The leader of the opposition, Cătălin Drulă of the Save Romania Union (USR), has said the PNL is becoming too focused on state control.

How the PNL is Organized

The PNL has several important groups that lead the party:

The Congress

The Congress is the highest authority in the party. It makes big decisions for the whole country. Members of the Congress are chosen by local groups. The Congress meets every four years, usually after parliamentary elections, or whenever it's needed. It elects the President of the PNL and other important leaders. The last congress was held in Bucharest on September 25, 2021, when Florin Cîțu was elected president.

Permanent Delegation

The Permanent Delegation (DP) leads the party between Congress meetings. It meets every month or when needed. Its members include the PNL President, members of the National Political Bureau, and leaders from different parts of the party, like youth and women's groups, and members of Parliament.

National Political Bureau

The National Political Bureau (BPN) suggests the party's policies and makes sure they are followed. It manages the party's daily activities. It includes the party President and 15 vice-presidents. The BPN meets every week or when needed. It helps coordinate local groups, manages election campaigns, and suggests candidates for important government jobs.

The Secretary-General helps the BPN with organizing. This person makes sure there is good communication between the central leaders and local groups. They also manage the party's money and information systems.

National Council

The National Council (CN) is a place for discussions within the PNL between Congress meetings. It meets twice a year or when necessary. Its members include the Permanent Delegation, government officials, county leaders, mayors, and leaders of various party groups. The CN helps carry out the decisions of the Congress, approves the party's government plans, and names the PNL's candidate for President of Romania.

The President

The President of the National Liberal Party (PNL) is like the guardian of the party's main ideas and rules. They are responsible for keeping the party united and respected.

The Secretary-General

The Secretary-General helps connect the central leaders with the local groups. They also manage the party's money and information. The Secretary-General has Deputy-Secretaries-General who help them.

Other Important Groups

• The Senate of the party: This group advises the president on keeping liberal traditions alive.
• Court of Honor and Arbitration: This is the party's highest court for internal issues.
• Central Committee of Censors: This group checks how the party's money is managed.
• Ethics Commission: This group reviews candidates for elections and government jobs.
• National Liberal Youth: This group organizes activities for young people in the party.
• League of the Local Elected Officeholders: This group coordinates PNL members who hold local public offices, like mayors and councilors.
• Liberal Women Organisation: This group coordinates activities for women in the party.
• Liberal Student Clubs: This group promotes PNL ideas among students.

Local Party Groups

At the local level, the PNL has:

• The General Assembly of the Members: This group makes sure the party's plans are followed locally.
• The Standing Bureau of the organization: This group leads the local party between General Assemblies.

The PNL's Symbol

Romanian law requires political parties to have a permanent symbol and an election symbol. These are usually a bit different. The PNL's main symbol is a blue arrow pointing up and to the right inside a yellow square. The letters P, N, and L are in blue and tilted. The way the letters are placed depends on the type of symbol.

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  Current and official PNL logo as well as electoral sign (in use from 2014–present)

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  Alternative official PNL logo with the inverted colours (in use for electoral campaigns from 2018–present)

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  The former electoral sign (used prior to 2014)

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  Former permanent sign (used prior to 2014)

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  The flag of PNL (currently still in use)

Party Leaders

No.	Name	Portrait	Start Date	End Date	Other Important Roles
1	Radu Câmpeanu (1922–2016)		January 15, 1990	February 28, 1993	Served as state vice president in the Provisional Council of National Unity.
2	Mircea Ionescu-Quintus (1917–2017)		February 28, 1993	February 18, 2001	Served as Senate President.
3	Valeriu Stoica (1953–		February 18, 2001	August 24, 2002
4	Theodor Stolojan (1943–		August 24, 2002	October 2, 2004	Served as Prime Minister.
5	Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu (1952–		October 2, 2004	March 20, 2009	Served as Prime Minister.
6	Crin Antonescu (1959–		March 20, 2009	June 2, 2014	Served as acting President.
7	Klaus Iohannis (1959–		June 2, 2014	December 18, 2014	Served as President.
8	Vasile Blaga (1956–		December 18, 2014	September 28, 2016	Co-president with Alina Gorghiu.
	Alina Gorghiu (1978–		December 18, 2014	December 12, 2016	Co-president with Vasile Blaga, then sole leader.
—	Raluca Turcan (acting) (1976–		December 13, 2016	June 17, 2017
9	Ludovic Orban (1963–		June 17, 2017	September 25, 2021	Served as Prime Minister and Chamber of Deputies President.
10	Florin Cîțu (1972–		September 25, 2021	April 2, 2022	Served as Prime Minister and Senate President.
—	Gheorghe Flutur (acting) (1960–		April 2, 2022	April 10, 2022	Served as Suceava County council President.
11	Nicolae Ciucă (1967–		April 10, 2022	November 25, 2024	Served as Prime Minister and Senate President.
—	Ilie Bolojan (acting) (1969–		November 25, 2024	February 12, 2025	Served as Senate President and acting President.
—	Cătălin Predoiu (acting) (1968–		February 12, 2025	May 26, 2025
—	Ilie Bolojan (acting) (1969–		May 26, 2025	July 12, 2025
12	Ilie Bolojan (1969–		July 12, 2025	Incumbent

Well-Known Members of the PNL

Current Important Members

Former Important Members

How the PNL Has Done in Elections

National Parliament Elections

Local Elections

National Results

Mayor of Bucharest

Presidential Elections

European Parliament Elections

Election	Votes	Percentage	MEPs	Position	EU Party	EP Group
Jan. 2007	N/A	20.0%	7 / 35	2nd	ALDE	ALDE Group
Nov. 2007	688,859	13.4%	6 / 35	3rd	ALDE	ALDE Group
2009	702,974	14.5%	5 / 33	3rd	ALDE	ALDE Group
2014	835,531	15.0%	6 / 32	2nd	ALDE	EPP Group
2019	2,449,068	27.0%	10 / 32	1st	EPP	EPP Group
2024	4,341,686	48.55	8 / 33	1st  (within CNR)	EPP	EPP Group

See also

In Spanish: Partido Nacional Liberal (Rumania) para niños

• National Liberal Party (PNL; sister party in Republic of Moldova)
• National Liberal Ecologist Alliance (ANLE)
• Liberalism and radicalism in Romania
• List of political parties in Romania
• List of liberal parties