Politics · Other · 2 hrs ago
Romanian parliament approves Luca Niculescu's minority government
Romania's parliament approved a new government led by independent Luca Niculescu on Tuesday, ending nearly six months of political deadlock.
Niculescu, a 55-year-old diplomat and former journalist, was nominated by centrist President Nicusor Dan after three earlier attempts to form a government failed.
His minority cabinet includes ministers from the left-leaning Social Democrats and technocrats, and won 280 votes, above the 233 needed.
The crisis began after the previous pro-European coalition collapsed in May, amid political instability that followed the annulment of Romania's 2024 presidential election over allegations of Russian interference.
The government now faces pressure to reduce one of the EU's largest budget deficits while supporting a contracting economy.
If parliament does not pass a deficit-reducing 2027 budget plan in December, Romania risks a downgrade to its investment-grade credit rating.
The Social Democrats say they will review their support in six months, and Niculescu's ability to keep backing in parliament will shape how long the government lasts.
Romanian lawmakers approved Luca Niculescu’s Cabinet on Tuesday, ending nearly six months of political crisis.
The independent prime minister won 280 votes, exceeding the 233 needed to pass.
Niculescu formed a minority government after President Nicusor Dan nominated him, following three unsuccessful attempts to install a government.
The new Cabinet faces pressure to reduce Romania’s large budget deficit while supporting a contracting economy.
The government’s durability is uncertain, with the Social Democrats saying they will review their support in six months.
- Who
- Romanian lawmakers approved a Cabinet proposed by Prime Minister Luca Niculescu.
- What
- The Cabinet won a confidence vote with 280 votes. AP reported 58 votes against.
- When
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
- Where
- Romania’s parliament in Bucharest.
- Why
- The vote ended nearly six months of political crisis and allowed a new government to take office.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The previous coalition collapsed after the Social Democrats and the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians jointly filed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.
President Nicusor Dan nominated Luca Niculescu to be prime minister.
Lawmakers rejected a Cabinet proposed by Dan’s third pick, Siegfried Muresan.
Parliament approved Niculescu’s Cabinet with 280 votes.
- Vote in favour
- 280
- Votes against
- 58
- Votes required
- 233
- Government type
- Minority government
- Social Democrats’ review
- In six months
3 sources
What people are saying
I am not asking for a blank check. I am asking you to understand Romania needs a government with full powers after so many months of crisis.
It is an important moment for Romania. We are coming out of six months of crisis, we are getting down to work immediately.
today’s vote is only a short break in the political battle in a fragmented parliament.