The Niculescu government on the home straight
The political crisis in Bucharest could come to an end in the next few days.
Bogdan Matei, 19.10.2026, 13:50
The specialist committees of Romania’s bicameral parliament in Bucharest began hearings on Monday for the ministers nominated by prime minister-designate Luca Niculescu, a diplomat and former journalist. The hearings will continue on Tuesday, when the investiture vote is also scheduled to take place in the afternoon. Two-thirds of ministerial portfolios will be held by members of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), many of whom have also served as ministers in previous governments. The remaining ministries will be headed by politically unaffiliated figures, specialists approved by President Nicușor Dan. For the new government to be confirmed, it needs at least 233 votes in favor, or half plus one of the total number of senators and MPs. It increasingly looks likely to secure them.
The PSD, the Democratic Alliance of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), representatives of national minorities and smaller parliamentary groups will vote in favor. The latter are made up of politicians who have left the parties on whose lists they were elected. The National Liberal Party (PNL) has also pledged to vote to confirm the Niculescu government, in order to bring an end to the political crisis, which has lasted for almost six months, before moving into opposition. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) and Save Romania Union (USR) will not vote in favor of the government.
Economic analysts quoted by Radio Romania say financial markets have shown signs of relief at the prospect of a new government with full powers taking office, following more than five months of uncertainty. This was triggered by parliament’s dismissal, through a motion of no confidence on 5 May, of the minority government led by Liberal Ilie Bolojan, comprising the PNL, USR and UDMR. The political turmoil has also driven up the interest rates the state has to pay to borrow money. Experts point out that these have reached the equivalent of 3% of gross domestic product, while economic growth stood at just 0.2%.
Measures to reduce the budget deficit remain a priority for the new government. Urgent tasks include revising the budget for the final months of this year and drawing up the state budget for 2027. Investors need predictability and will be watching to see whether the authorities can stay on the right course and provide assurances that fiscal commitments will be honored, specialists also point out. They also highlight the uncertainty surrounding the Niculescu government’s ability to govern. It can count on firm support in parliament only from the PSD, while the other parties could resort to simple motions or motions of no confidence at any time.
There are also external developments that could disrupt the situation in Romania. Partner and allied countries in Western Europe are being shaken by social tensions. In the United States, congressional elections are approaching which could trigger a political earthquake in Washington and around the world. The situation in the Middle East is far from settled, while the war continues in neighboring Ukraine, invaded by Russian troops.
On top of all this, winter is approaching, bringing its usual catalogue of difficulties. According to an already well-established quip, it is the season that always catches the authorities in Bucharest by surprise. (EE)
