Romanian politics in flux: Predoiu takes interim PM role
Catalin Predoiu has become the new interim Prime Minister of Romania following the resignation of Marcel Ciolacu. These changes took place after the coalition's defeat in the presidential election.
What you need to know
- Catalin Predoiu has assumed the role of interim Prime Minister of Romania after the resignation of Marcel Ciolacu, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD).
- Presidential election results: George Simion from the far-right AUR party secured nearly 41% of the votes, leading to a political shakeup.
- The governing coalition: Following the elections last December, the PSD-PNL coalition was reformed, despite earlier indications of public dissatisfaction.
Catalin Predoiu, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, has been appointed as the interim Prime Minister of Romania. The decision was made by Ilie Bolojan, the acting president of the country. The change in the position of Prime Minister occurred following Marcel Ciolacu's resignation after the coalition's candidate was defeated in the first round of the presidential elections.
What are the results of the presidential election?
In the first round of the presidential election held on Sunday, the leader of the far-right AUR party, George Simion, garnered nearly 41% of the votes. Pro-European mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, running as an independent candidate, came in second. The coalition's candidate, Crin Antonescu, finished third, highlighting a crisis of confidence in Romania's main political forces.
What’s next for the governing coalition?
Despite previous indications of significant public disappointment, the governing coalition was restored in almost the same configuration after the elections last December. Marcel Ciolacu remained Prime Minister but resigned after the recent elections. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) has announced that it will not support any candidate in the second round of the presidential elections, while other coalition parties plan to back Nicusor Dan.
The second round of the repeated presidential elections is scheduled for May 18, which might prompt further changes in Romania's political landscape.
