Romania’s newly elected pro-Western president, Nicușor Dan, has nominated Ilie Bolojan—a former mayor and member of the center-right National Liberal Party (PNL)—to be the country’s next prime minister. The move is aimed at resolving the ongoing political turmoil that has gripped the country since last year.
Bolojan, 56, was selected following new consultations held on Friday, after weeks of negotiations among Romania’s key political parties. He had previously served as interim president earlier this year, between February and May, until Dan secured a decisive victory over a far-right candidate in a closely watched presidential election rerun. That vote followed the annulment of the original election by the nation’s top court, which triggered a major political crisis.
Speaking from Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, President Dan called Bolojan the “most suitable person” to take on the role, emphasizing the need for a stable government supported by a strong parliamentary majority. “Romania’s urgent priority is economic recovery, but for that, we need a solid foundation,” he said.
Parliament must still approve Bolojan’s nomination before he can take office.
The proposed coalition government is expected to include the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Save Romania Union (USR), and the ethnic Hungarian UDMR party. PSD leaders have been pushing for a power-sharing deal that could involve rotating the position of prime minister between coalition partners.
After receiving the nomination, Bolojan acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge. “I am fully aware of the great responsibility this role carries,” he said. “It won’t be an easy task.” He pledged to continue talks with political parties to form a governing coalition and outline a clear plan.
His three main priorities, he said, will be restoring order to public finances, creating conditions for long-term development, and demonstrating “proper respect for the Romanian people.”
One of the most pressing issues for the incoming administration will be addressing Romania’s budget deficit, currently among the highest in the European Union. The political turbulence surrounding the presidential election also highlighted growing societal divisions.
Political analyst Cristian Andrei, based in Bucharest, warned that while the proposed coalition may agree on temporary measures to address the economic and fiscal crisis, the lack of consensus on long-term reforms could keep Romania stuck in instability.
“There is only a fragile agreement on short-term steps,” he said. “If these come at a social cost—such as rising inflation—and aren’t accompanied by deeper policy or institutional reforms, the political crisis could resurface in future election cycles.”
Earlier this year, after the first round of the May presidential vote, then-acting president Bolojan had appointed Catalin Predoiu (PNL) to lead the government, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Ciolacu had stepped down after his coalition’s candidate failed to reach the runoff round.
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