left the party and, together with his followers, formed the Democratic Force (FD). From mid-2005, the PD's relations with the PNL became strained due to an ongoing open conflict between former President Băsescu and then Prime Minister Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu, who was also the chairman of the PNL. Previously, after his presidential victory in 2004, Băsescu appointed Popescu-Tăriceanu as Prime Minister. Although he wanted to, he could not constitutionally dismiss him; at least, it took him a while to do so. On 1 April 2007, Tăriceanu dismissed the ministers of the PD and formed a minority government. On 15 December 2007, the PD merged with the Liberal Democratic Party (PLD) to form the Democratic Liberal Party (PDL). Ideology and policies The political doctrine of the Democratic Party (PD) shifted from social democracy to liberal conservatism in 2005. The party supported the consolidation of the free market and is supportive of Romania's flat tax rate of 16%. The party also supported reforming the Romanian Constitution in order to bring about decentralization in administration and give greater power to the eight development regions. In terms of European politics, the Democratic Party (PD): Supported EU enlargement to the Western Balkans; Supported EU membership for Turkey, as long as it satisfied membership criteria; Supported the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU; Supported the Treaty of Lisbon; Believed that the European Parliament should have greater power; Opposed a reform of the Common Agricultural Policy; Supported a common EU migration policy; Supported a common EU defence and security policy; Supported a partnership between the US and the EU, where the EU is an "equal and critical" partner. Leadership of the PD 1 Roman also served as Senate President between 27 November 1996 and 22 December 1999. Notable former members Petre Roman – subsequently left and founded the Democratic Force (FD) party; Traian Băsescu – elected President of Romania, membership suspended during the first mandate; Emil Boc – Mayor of Cluj-Napoca 2004–2008; 2012–present, former Prime Minister between 2008 and 2012; Adriean Videanu – Vice-president of PDL, former mayor of Bucharest between 2005 and 2008; Radu Berceanu – Senator, former Minister of Transportation, Constructions, and Tourism; Cristian Rădulescu, MP, PD Leader in the Chamber of Deputies; Gheorghe Albu, MP; Roberta Anastase, MP; Petru Filip, MEP, former mayor of the municipality of Oradea; Ioan Olteanu, MP; Cezar Preda, MP; Păunel Tise; Alexandru Sassu (subsequently switched to PSD);