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Romanian lawmakers back a minority government to end monthslong stalemate
The minority cabinet won 280 votes, with Social Democrats and other parties backing a six-month deal to stabilize finances and avoid early elections.
On Tuesday, the Romanian parliament confirmed independent diplomat Prime Minister Luca Niculescu with 280 votes in favor and 58 against, ending nearly six months of political deadlock.
Political instability paralyzed the nation following the May ouster of former Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and the December 2024 annulment of presidential elections, which left the legislature fragmented.
To secure the vote, Niculescu negotiated a six-month support agreement with the Social Democratic Party, though these parties will remain outside the governing cabinet structure.
The new administration faces pressure to address Romania's high budget deficit, requiring reduction below 3% by 2030 and timely adoption of the 2027 budget.
Stability remains uncertain as the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians, polling at 40 percent, opposes the cabinet and political pacts preventing no-confidence votes expire in March 2027.
After six months of crisis, Romania's established parties have agreed on the non-partisan Luca Niculescu as prime minister. However, his minority government probably only acts on time.
In an attempt to resolve a political impasse, Romania's National Assembly has voted in a minority government led by an independent diplomat who must now muster support in a divided assembly.