Romanian President Nicusor Dan on Friday named pro-European Liberal Party leader Ilie Bolojan as prime minister, ending weeks of political deadlock and half a year of instability.
Mr. Bolojan, 56,who served as interim president from February to May, will be tasked with tackling Romania’s economic problems and reconciling Romanians.
The EU member descended into political turmoil after presidential elections were cancelled in December over allegations of Russian interference, following the unexpected win of a far-right candidate on the back of a massive social media campaign.
Speaking after the nomination. Mr. Dan, who won a rerun of the presidential vote last month said Bolojan was the person “best suited to make the necessary adjustments in the Romanian state apparatus”.
The Liberal Party leader said he was “aware of the great responsibility” he was taking on faced with a budget deficit at 9.3 percent last year, the highest in the European Union.
Parliament needs to confirm Bolojan’s appointment, and he is relying on the support of four pro-European parties who form a majority.
Socially, he faces huge challenges in reconciling Romanians after the cancelled elections. Far-right parties now control about one-third of parliamentary seats following December parliamentary elections which came after the cancelled presidential ballot.
Nationalist parties did not take part in the talks to form a new government , which defeated presidential candidate George Simion called “a disgrace and an insult”.
Before leading the Liberal Party, Bolojan served as mayor of the city of Oradea before becoming interim president after Klaus Iohannis was forced to resign in February during the political turmoil.
Last week, Bolojan said the incoming government would have to resort to “unpopular measures” that could include cutting public spending and imposing tax rises.
