Romania’s president expected to name PM this week

Romanian President Nicușor Dan is expected to nominate a new prime minister this week, with Eugen Tomac remaining the frontrunner as political parties continue negotiations over the formation of a new government and the parliamentary support needed to secure its approval.

According to Digi24, Dan could announce his nominee as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, nearly a month after the government led by Ilie Bolojan was dismissed and following weeks of consultations with political parties.

Tomac is understood to be the president's preferred choice because he is viewed as being outside the parties represented in parliament, particularly those that made up the previous governing coalition. Dan has repeatedly argued that the next prime minister should be independent of the established party structures.

While the Social Democratic Party (PSD) is reportedly prepared to back Tomac, discussions are continuing within the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Save Romania Union (USR). Although some figures in both parties support the idea as a way to break the political deadlock, no formal agreement has yet been reached.

The search for a parliamentary majority remains a key challenge, as lawmakers seek to avoid prolonging the political uncertainty that has followed the government's collapse.

Other names reportedly considered for the premiership include Delia Velculescu, Matei Șerban and Radu Burnete, all of whom come from economic or institutional backgrounds rather than party politics.

Negotiations are also focused on the composition of the next cabinet, including whether ministers should be technocrats or political appointees. The prospect of a technocratic government has faced resistance, particularly from elements within PNL and USR, which argue that such ministers could lack the political authority needed to implement policy effectively.