Luca Niculescu, an independent diplomat and former
The new government of Luca Niculescu has taken the oath of office before Parliament
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Voters Demand Stronger Congressional Oversight of Presidential PowerRomania has emerged from a long political grip, and a new cabinet of ministers was installed on Tuesday. The appointed Prime Minister, Luca Niculescu, won parliamentary support for a minority government. This is a first victory, but analysts warn that the silence will not last.
Luca Niculescu, an independent diplomat and former journalist, was nominated by President Nicușor Dan on 5 October. It was the fourth election of the head of state for the post of prime minister, after three previous candidates failed to form a government. With 55 years of active life, Niculescu has garnered promises of support from the Social Democratic Party and other political formations. He is said to have reached a multi-party agreement for six months of support, while negotiating a long-term deal.
In front of Parliament, after Tuesday's vote, Niculescu thanked the parliamentarians for the confidence in his cabinet. „I present a governance programme, a team and a commitment to work towards more clear objectives”, he declared. A government that brings funds and investments into the country.
The political crisis has blocked Romania since May
The political crisis has blocked Romania since May, when former Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan was removed by a motion of no confidence. This motion was jointly tabled by the Social Democratic Party, which was part of the governing coalition, and the Alliance for Romanian Unity. The Bologna government has implemented strict austerity measures. He assumed office in 2025 with the aim of ending one of Romania's worst political crises since the fall of communism and reducing a massive budget deficit.
The country faces a long period of instability since the presidential election was canceled in December 2024. In addition, Romania is struggling with rampant inflation and a technical recession. Last year, it recorded one of the largest budget deficits in the European Union.
Tuesday's vote came weeks after lawmakers rejected the cabinet proposed by Siegfried Muresan, the president's third election. This failure prolonged the crisis and raised the prospect of early elections, at a time of regional concern related to Russia's war in neighboring Ukraine. Romania is a member of both NATO and the EU. Experts warn that tensions could reappear soon. Support for Niculescu is based on a six-month multi-party arrangement and a long-term agreement has not yet been reached.
