Romanian parliament elects Niculescu prime minister after five-month impasse

Romania’s parliament elected independent diplomat Luca Niculescu prime minister, ending more than five months of political paralysis after three earlier attempts to form a government failed. His minority cabinet is dominated by the Social Democrats; the center-right National Liberal Party backed his appointment but will remain outside the government and support legislation case by case. The arrangement is a fragile six-month truce, with parties yet to agree on a longer-term governing pact and the prospect of snap elections helping drive the deal. Niculescu faces pressure to rein in one of the EU’s largest budget deficits and revive growth amid disagreement over austerity; the Social Democrats say they will prioritize investment and household purchasing power, including in a 2027 budget due by the end of November. President Nicușor Dan said Romania would maintain its pro-Western orientation and fiscal consolidation commitments.