As a youth excluded from the big games, Emil Boc's party assists from the sideline at the political battle between PSD and PNL.
It tries to be noted, screams, praises itself. It appointed as spokesman the super-mayor Liviu Negoita. It discussed "informally" the government policy with the analysts in front of the cameras. It sends daily provocative statements to its competitors. Nothing. PDL is ignored, the most is treated with leniency full of mockery by PSD and PNL, which act as if only they would count.
The electoral pre/campaign is dominated by the exchanges of "courtesy" between liberals and the leaders of the social-democrats. Not even a day passes without a war statement and at least a similar response. The artillery fire pass above PDL, reached only by a lost irony. Mircea Geoana is reproaching the liberals that they "reduce Romania to Bucharest and Bucharest ot Primaverii and Baneasa neighborhood", and four important leaders of PNL give him a reply. Puiu Haşotti accuses Mircea Geoana of demagogy, and PSD answers in ten voices. Dancing in two lasts for more than a week, and PDL has failed to draw interest even with the challenge made yesterday by Theodor Stolojan, who said in an interview that "the superficiality of Tariceanu is touching" and that "Geoana would promise even the Black Sea". The allegations made continually against eachother are not only harmless but serve as launchers for their own electoral messages about the level of living, housing and other issues dear to the two parties. From the replicas included in the everyday repertoire is missing, obviously, the issue of corruption. By criticizing "the left government" Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu has not mentioned about the problems of former justice officials PSD and finally he praised Adrian Nastase, who, if he could, would have also increased the pensions. In conclusion, the attacks are full of swing, but do not harm the electoral opponent.
The situation is strange and looks like a theatre play. And this impression continues as PNL and PSD continue their fruitful cooperation in parliament, changing the procedure for appointing prosecutors concerning the European Commission or increasing the budget beyond its possibilities for salaries and pensions. Naturally it would be for PSD to focus their fire power against the PDL, the main opponent according to the opinion polls. And PNL to fight with PDL for the right party badge. The first effect of this dispute against the nature is the occupation of public space by liberals and socialdemocrats. They have managed to set the electoral agenda on economic issues, where both parties are in front. The first because it is at power and delivers, the second because its has the exercise of imperceptibly promises. By contrast to left, PNL tries to legitimate as the only party of the right. And PSD, through the fights PNL, the real opposition.
This step in two makes PDL, the first party in the options of the electorate according to opinion polls, seem irrelevant politically.