BUCHAREST, June 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Romanian President Nicusor Dan named 
pro-European liberal party leader Ilie Bolojan as prime minister on Friday, 
following weeks of negotiations aimed at appointing a new government.

Bolojan, 56, who currently serves as Senate president and liberal party (PNL) 
leader, will be tasked with tackling Romania's dire finances and reconciling 
the divided nation.

His nomination came after Romania was plunged into political turmoil 
following the annulment of presidential elections in December -- as 
allegations swirled of Russian interference. 

In an official address, centrist Dan, who won a rerun of the presidential 
vote in May, said Bolojan was the person "best suited to make the necessary 
adjustments in the Romanian state apparatus".

Dan has previously said Romania is at a "turning point" and faces several 
difficult challenges, including tackling a budget deficit that stood at 9.3 
percent at the end of last year, the highest in the European Union.

Bolojan's appointment will need to be confirmed by parliament.

In a press conference last week, Bolojan said Romania was "in a complicated 
situation", adding that the incoming government would have to resort to 
"unpopular measures" that could include cutting public spending and imposing 
tax rises.