Luca Niculescu sworn in as Romanian prime minister following parliamentary vote

Romania swore in a new cabinet on Tuesday after independent diplomat Luca Niculescu won a parliamentary vote to become prime minister. Euronews reported that Niculescu won 280 votes in favour of his proposed cabinet, with 58 votes against. [1]

The vote ends a political impasse that lasted for months. As Euronews and ipn.md reported, Niculescu and his proposed ministers requested the vote of investiture in parliament to approve the new administration. The Romania Journal also reported that parliament scheduled the vote for Tuesday. [1][2][3]

President Nicușor Dan nominated the 55-year-old diplomat and former journalist on 5 October. Euronews reported that Niculescu was the president's fourth pick for the position after three previous nominees failed to form a government. Niculescu secured pledges of support for a minority government from the Social Democrats. [1]

Euronews reported that Niculescu plans to start work immediately. A large budget deficit sits at the top of his agenda, though analysts warn that the political calm may not last. [1]