Romania’s parliament has approved independent candidate Luca Niculescu as prime minister, ending a political deadlock that had lasted nearly six months.
Niculescu, 55, secured parliamentary backing on Tuesday after forming a minority government made up of left-wing politicians and technocrats. He was nominated for the position by President Nicușor Dan.
According to Reuters, Niculescu received 280 votes, comfortably exceeding the 233 votes required for parliamentary approval.
The appointment marks Dan’s fourth attempt to form a government since the collapse of a broad pro-European coalition in early May.
Niculescu, a former diplomat and deputy foreign minister who also worked as a journalist, now faces the challenge of addressing Romania’s economic difficulties while leading a minority administration that may struggle to maintain parliamentary support.
Political analysts have warned that the government could be short-lived, leaving questions about Romania’s political stability unresolved despite the latest breakthrough.
