Romanian President Nicusor Dan on Sunday nominated former minister and local government leader Adrian Vestea as prime minister, seeking to end a prolonged political crisis after his previous nominee withdrew due to a lack of parliamentary backing.
Vestea, 53, a senior member of the National Liberal Party and a veteran politician from Brasov County, is Dan’s second choice for the post this month. The nomination came after former nominee Eugen Tomac stepped down from the mandate after failing to secure sufficient support and present a cabinet to Parliament within the required 10-day period.
Speaking at the presidential Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, Dan said Vestea’s extensive experience in local and national administration made him well-suited for the role. He highlighted Vestea’s record as a mayor, county council president and development minister, as well as his success in attracting European Union funding.
The president also described Vestea as a strong supporter of Romania’s pro-Western orientation and someone with significant experience in managing public budgets.
The nomination must now be approved by Parliament before Vestea can formally take office.
Addressing reporters after the announcement, Vestea said he intends to form a political government committed to meaningful reforms and maintaining Romania’s pro-Western course.
He stressed the need to prioritize development, noting that Romania, the European Union’s sixth-largest country by population, must focus on long-term economic growth from the outset of the new administration.
Romania has faced political uncertainty since a no-confidence vote removed Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in May. Although the next general election is not due until 2028, the country continues to grapple with one of the European Union’s highest budget deficits, persistent inflation and a technical recession.
The coalition government that took office in June 2025 had pledged to reduce the budget deficit and stabilize the economy, but Bolojan’s administration lasted less than a year amid mounting political and economic challenges.