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2w ago

Romania Appoints Interim PM After Coalition's Collapse in Presidential Race

Catalin Predoiu takes over as interim prime minister following Marcel Ciolacu's resignation and the pro-European coalition's defeat in the election rerun.

FILE - A Romanian policeman holds effigies made of brooms of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, right, and Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu, left, during a protest in Bucharest, Romania, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File)
FILE - Romanian Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu speaks to the media at the European Council building in Brussels, Dec 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Havana, File)
Catalin Predoiu is a former justice minister who already served as interim premier in 2012
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Overview

  • Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned after the coalition's candidate, Crin Antonescu, failed to qualify for the May 18 presidential runoff.
  • Interim President Ilie Bolojan appointed Catalin Predoiu, the interior minister, as interim prime minister with limited powers for up to 45 days.
  • The December 2024 pro-European coalition, comprising PSD, PNL, UDMR, and minority representatives, collapsed after losing credibility in the election rerun.
  • Far-right nationalist George Simion and pro-Western reformist Nicusor Dan will face off in the decisive presidential runoff later this month.
  • The election rerun followed a court annulment of the November 2024 vote over alleged electoral violations and Russian interference, intensifying Romania's political crisis.