Romanian President Chooses Former Mayor as New Prime Minister

Romanian President Nominates Adrian Vestea as Prime Minister

Romania’s President Nicusor Dan has nominated Adrian Vestea, a National Liberal Party member and former mayor, to serve as the country’s prime minister. This comes after Eugen Tomac, who was previously chosen for the role, withdrew his mandate.

According to a statement posted on X by President Dan, he nominated Vestea due to Tomac’s withdrawal of his mandate. Vestea, 52, is currently serving as county council president in Brasov County.

Eugen Tomac had been seeking to lead a government composed of technocrats but lacked support from parliament. Vestea previously served as development minister from 2023 to 2024 and has stated that he aims to establish a “political government” focused on real reforms and maintaining Romania’s pro-Western stance.

President Dan cited Vestea’s extensive experience in various administrative roles, including his successful tenure as mayor, county council president, and minister. He also highlighted Vestea’s ability to attract European funds for development projects, such as the Brasov airport.

Vestea will have 10 days to form a government and must secure a parliamentary vote of confidence to take office. Romania is currently facing economic challenges, including high budget deficits, inflation, and a technical recession. A general election is scheduled for 2028.

In June 2025, a coalition government took power with the goal of reducing the country’s budget deficit. However, this government lasted less than a year. The previous prime minister, Ilie Bolojan, was sworn in to address one of Romania’s worst political crises since its post-communist era.

Source: Al Jazeera