Romania's Interior Affairs Minister assumes role of interim Prime Minister.
Stepping into the Prime Minister spot, Cătălin Predoiu takes charge as interim prime minister, the Presidential Administration has announced. To glimpse this news, sign up as a Romania Insider member or log in (if you're already a member).
Yesterday, May 5, PM Marcel Ciolacu, head of the Social Democrat Party (PSD), tendered his resignation. Crin Antonescu, the governing coalition candidate, had fallen short of qualifying for the second round of the presidential elections.
Following PSD's decision to withdraw from the governing coalition, PNL announced its intent to stay on. Meanwhile, PSD remains mum on its support for any presidential candidate.
The independent contender, Nicușor Dan, who nabbed 20.99% of votes in the first round, and nationalist George Simion, with over 40% of votes, will lock horns in the second round.
Starring in a photo by Octav Ganea/ Inquam Photos, this spirited battle unfolds under watchful eyes.
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Meet Nicușor Dan
Nicușor Dan, a Romanian politician, mathematician, and activist, was born on December 20, 1969, in Făgăraș, Romania. With perfect scores, he clinched the first prize at the International Mathematical Olympiads in 1987 and 1988. After graduating from the University of Bucharest and earning a PhD in mathematics from Paris 13 University, Dan made a foray into politics. Known for his anti-corruption stance and pro-European views, he founded the Save Romania Union (USR) in 2013 but resigned in 2017 due to the party's progressive shift. He went on to serve as the Mayor of Bucharest, winning re-election in 2024.
This political heavyweight emphasizes anti-corruption, pro-European policies, and pro-NATO themes in the run-up to the 2025 Romanian presidential election. His campaign targets urban voters and the Romanian diaspora, placing an emphasis on preserving Romania's pro-Western direction while fostering strategic partnerships with the U.S. [2][4] Though he faces challenges securing support from certain political groups, Dan remains adamant in his quest for reform and a corruption-free Romania. [3]
- Crin Antonescu, the PNL member, fell short of qualifying for the second round of the presidential elections, paving the way for an independent candidate like Nicușor Dan to rise.
- The independent contender, Nicușor Dan, who is known for his anti-corruption stance and pro-European views, is advocating for policy-and-legislation that focuses on reducing corruption and strengthening Romania's pro-Western ties.
- Despite the approved section of policy-and-legislation being a contentious issue in Romanian politics, Dan remains committed to his independent agenda in the 2025 presidential election.
- As the general news unfolds, Cătălin Predoiu takes charge as interim prime minister, leaving the future of the PNL in politics uncertain, while Nicușor Dan's independent campaign gains momentum.
