President Klaus Iohannis says he is holding off on naming a new prime minister as a political deadlock continues over the failure to appoint a new prime minister that can secure a majority.
The president’s statement came after his previous pick, Nicolae Ciucă, the country’s interim defense minister, said he was unable to form the next government. He formally renounced his proposal.
The president said Thursday he would try a new approach after his two previous picks, including Ciuca failed to get a majority, News.ro reported.
The president said he needed political parties to “to crystallize” a parliamentary majority before he was prepared to nominate a new premier after two previous failed attempts
The president initially chose Florin Cîțu, leader of the National Liberal Party. He was dismissed through a no-confidence motion on Oct. 5.
He then chose Dacian Cioloș, the head of the USR, the third-largest party in the legislature, to become the next prime minister. That bid failed in parliament.
He then picked retired general and ex-army chief of staff. But Ciuca on Monday decided not to go to Parliament as he didn’t have enough support.
Local media say a reconstitution of the center-right coalition that collapsed in September amid disagreements between the USR and Cîțu is unlikely.
The political crisis festers as the public health crisis deepens, with Covid-19 deaths and intensive care occupation rates at record highs. The government has enacted new restrictions as a response.
