Romanian lawmakers back a minority government to end monthslong stalemate
The minority cabinet won 280 votes as leaders seek to steady finances, restore investor confidence and avoid a ratings downgrade.
- On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Romanian parliament confirmed Prime Minister Luca Niculescu with 280 votes, surpassing the 233 required and ending a six-month political deadlock.
- Romania's political instability began with the December 2024 presidential election annulment, followed by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan's ouster in a May 2026 no-confidence motion that collapsed the governing coalition.
- President Nicusor Dan nominated Niculescu, a 55-year-old diplomat, as his fourth choice to form a government, securing pacts with parties to avoid no-confidence votes until March 2027.
- Facing an expected 6.2% budget deficit, the government must pass a 2027 deficit-reduction plan this December to avoid potential credit ratings downgrades from major agencies.
- Despite the new leadership, the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians leads polls with about 40% support, while political consultant Cristian Andrei warned the vote is merely a 'short break' in political battles.
235 Articles
235 Articles
In Romania, the new government formed under Prime Minister Luca Niculescu received a vote of confidence in parliament, securing the support of 280 deputies. With Prime Minister Niculescu and his cabinet of 18 ministers taking office, the political uncertainty that had lasted since May has come to an end.
Prime Minister Luca Niculescu says, at the end of the first meeting of the Government, which took place on Tuesday evening, that his feelings about working with a government that is a majority PSD count at least, given the country's situation, which required a government with full powers. PSD assumed government, the invitation had also been made to other parties, other parties that decided not to enter the government, but some of them supported …
Romanian lawmakers back Cabinet of independent Luca Niculescu seeking to end a monthslong crisis
Romanian lawmakers voted Tuesday to back a Cabinet proposed by Prime Minister-designate Luca Niculescu, an independent who seeks to end a monthslong political crisis.
Romania Approves New Government, Breaking Months-Long Deadlock
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