Romanian president nominates MEP Mureşan as new PM candidate

Romanian President Nicuşor Dan has nominated conservative European Parliament member Siegfried Mureşan as the country's new prime minister candidate, according to Digi24, as cited by "European Pravda."

Romania has been run by a caretaker government since early May, after Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan failed to survive a confidence vote in parliament.

Dan said the country urgently needs a functioning government, stressing that people's lives depend on it. At the same time, he acknowledged that none of the potential candidates currently has a clear path to a majority in parliament, as political parties have yet to agree on a way forward.

Mureşan received the strongest backing

The president explained that he chose the candidate who received the most support from parties during the day's consultations. Mureşan's candidacy was backed by three parties, and he brings experience from the European Parliament along with a long record of negotiating on major issues — qualifications Dan said make him suited for the role.

Following the president's announcement, Mureşan confirmed on social media that he had accepted the offer to lead the government.

Meanwhile, Sorin Grindeanu, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), said he was surprised and disappointed by the choice.

Previous attempts failed

This is not the president's first attempt to find a suitable candidate. The first non-partisan candidate proposed, Eugen Teodorovici [Tomac], withdrew due to insufficient support. Dan then nominated Adrian Veştea of the National Liberal Party (PNL), who also failed to secure the needed backing. Further talks with parties paused over the summer break.

Most Romanians reportedly want political forces to agree on forming a full government as soon as possible.