Romania's president nominates Adrian Vestea as prime minister

Key facts

• Romanian President Nicușor Dan nominated Adrian Vestea as prime minister.
• Vestea, a member of the National Liberal Party, aims to form a political government.
• The nomination follows the withdrawal of Eugen Tomac, who could not secure parliamentary support.
• Vestea has 10 days to present a cabinet and secure a vote of confidence from Parliament.

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian President Nicușor Dan nominated Adrian Vestea, a member of the National Liberal Party, as prime minister on Sunday, seeking to end a political crisis. The nomination follows the withdrawal of Eugen Tomac, who could not secure sufficient parliamentary support for his proposed technocrat government.

President Dan stated that a political solution was necessary and described Vestea as a "pro-Western person" with extensive experience in managing budgets. Vestea, who has also served as mayor and county council president, expressed his intention to lead a government focused on reforms and maintaining Romania's pro-Western trajectory. He emphasized the need for development, noting Romania's position as the sixth-largest country in Europe.

The country has been in political turmoil since the government of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan collapsed in May after a no-confidence vote. Romania faces economic challenges, including a high budget deficit, which stood at 9.3% of GDP in 2024 and 9.3% in 2025, and rampant inflation.

Adrian Vestea now has 10 days to present a cabinet to Parliament and secure a vote of confidence. General elections are not scheduled until 2028.