Newsletters
Romanian President Nicusor Dan on Sunday appointed Adrian Vestea, a senior member of the Liberal Party, as prime minister after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew from consideration.
The appointment comes as Romania seeks to overcome political turmoil following the collapse of the previous government.
Former Liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan was ousted in a no-confidence motion in early May after the Social Democratic Party left the ruling coalition and joined forces with the far right.
“Mr. Eugen Tomac withdrew his candidacy this morning, and under these circumstances, I am appointing Mr. Adrian Vestea as prime minister,” Dan said in a statement.
Vestea, 52, who currently serves as president of Brasov County Council and previously held posts as mayor and development minister, has been tasked with forming a new pro-Western parliamentary majority after Tomac’s proposed technocratic government failed to secure sufficient political backing.
“Neither Mr. Tomac nor I have been playing at governing,” Dan said.
“At this point, however, it is clear that a political solution is the appropriate one.”
The president praised Vestea’s experience in local and national government, saying he was well positioned to lead the country through the current crisis.
Speaking after his nomination, Vestea said he intended to establish a political government committed to reform and maintaining Romania’s pro-Western orientation.
“I want a political government that will undertake real reforms and keep Romania on a pro-Western course,” he said.
“I am taking on this responsibility at a time of political crisis,” Vestea added, saying he would begin negotiations with “the pro-Western democratic political parties in the Romanian Parliament.”
Parliamentary parties have previously indicated that they prefer a minority political government over a technocratic administration without stable parliamentary backing.
Liberal Party leader Ilie Bolojan said he had not been informed in advance of the decision and described the appointment as “a hostile act and a clear attempt to split” the party.
Dan is seeking to end a political crisis that has stalled policymaking, threatened access to European Union funds and pushed the Romanian leu to record lows.
Vestea has 10 days to form a government and secure a vote of confidence in parliament.
Romania’s next parliamentary election is not scheduled until 2028.
The country has never held an early parliamentary election, and analysts say one remains unlikely, despite opinion polls showing the far-right opposition leading pro-European parties.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
