Tensions in Romania's ruling party, support for PM uncertain

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania's ruling Social Democratic Party convened Monday to discuss whether to continue to support Premier Mihai Tudose amid a power struggle with the party chairman, who can't be prime minister himself due to a conviction for vote-rigging.

The conflict became public last week after Tudose called on Interior Minister Carmen Dan to resign, accusing her of lying, and she refused. Dan is a close ally of Liviu Dragnea, the powerful party chairman.

Four hours into the meeting, speculation mounted that the prime minister, in office since June 2016, would lose party support as powerful barons rallied around Dragnea.