Romania Approves Niculescu’s Minority Government

Romania’s Parliament approved Luca Niculescu’s proposed cabinet on October 20, ending months of political deadlock and installing a minority government after three earlier nominees failed to form an administration. The cabinet received 280 votes in favour, exceeding the 233 votes required for confirmation. Reports differed on the number of votes against, giving either 55 or 58. Niculescu, an independent diplomat and former journalist, was nominated by President Nicușor Dan on October 5. The appointment was Dan’s fourth attempt to form a government since the previous coalition collapsed in May. Niculescu told lawmakers after the vote that his government would begin work immediately. The new cabinet includes Social Democratic Party (PSD) ministers and independent technocrats. The PSD and other parliamentary groups supported its formation, while some supporters are not joining the cabinet. The government does not have a majority of its own and will need parliamentary backing to pass legislation. The political crisis followed the collapse of a four-party coalition led by former Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. The coalition fractured amid disputes over austerity measures intended to...