Romanian lawmakers back a minority government to end monthslong stalemate
The 18-member minority cabinet won 280 votes, giving Niculescu a mandate to pursue a deficit-cutting budget and avoid a ratings downgrade.
- On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Romanian parliament confirmed independent Luca Niculescu as prime minister in a 280-58 vote, ending nearly six months of political deadlock.
- President Nicușor Dan nominated Niculescu on October 5, 2026, as his fourth choice after three earlier candidates failed to assemble parliamentary support.
- Niculescu's 18-member technocratic cabinet includes 11 Social Democratic Party nominees and seven independents, backed by a six-month support agreement with the PSD and two centre-right parties.
- The new administration faces urgent pressure to pass a deficit-reducing 2027 budget by December, with Moody's warning that failure could trigger a sovereign credit rating downgrade.
- Far-Right Alliance for Uniting Romanians leaders, polling at about 40%, opposed the cabinet and labeled it a "puppet government," complicating the administration's long-term stability prospects.
309 Articles
309 Articles
After more than five months of political blockade, Romania has a new government, but it is uncertain whether it will be able to hold on for a long time.
Dnevni list Danas
cdm.meIndependent candidate Luca Niculescu was confirmed yesterday in the parliament as the Prime Minister of Romania, which ended an almost six-month political blockade that threatened the country's credit rating in the investment category and undermined investor confidence.
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.
After three unsuccessful attempts, the non-partisan diplomat Luca Niculescu was elected Prime Minister in Romania on Tuesday. The 55-year-old received 280 votes during the vote in the parliament in Bucharest. 58 deputies voted against him. He is now at the head of a minority government. Twelve of the 18 ministerial posts hold the Social Democratic PSD, six posts of non-partisan technocrats.
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