Nicușor Dan is set to name Eugen Tomac as Romania’s next prime minister this afternoon, ending weeks of political deadlock and setting the stage for a fragile new government. The announcement, expected after a morning meeting with UDMR leader Kelemen Hunor, follows failed negotiations with PSD, PNL, and USR that left the country without a functioning cabinet since the previous government collapsed in April.
Tomac, a historian and former MEP, emerges as the compromise candidate after PSD and UDMR softened earlier objections. PSD had insisted on a technocratic-led government including current USR ministers, a formula Tomac’s designation appears to bypass. The Social Democrats now say they will review Tomac’s programme before deciding whether to support the new cabinet, according to sources close to former premier Sorin Grindeanu .
Former prime minister Ludovic Orban immediately accused President Dan of protecting Grindeanu and delaying a resolution to the crisis. In an exclusive interview with Digi24, Orban called Tomac a “PSD puppet premier” and labelled Dan a “firefighter” who avoids tough decisions. Orban argued that Tomac lacks a parliamentary majority and warned that the designation risks prolonging instability .
UDMR’s participation remains conditional on securing guarantees for ethnic Hungarian rights, while USR has not publicly endorsed the move. The president’s office indicated the formal mandate will be handed to Tomac later today, with a government programme expected within days. Analysts warn that even if Tomac secures parliamentary backing, his coalition could fracture over budget priorities and judicial reforms.
The political manoeuvring comes as Romania faces EU scrutiny over rule-of-law concerns and as inflation remains above 6%. Tomac, who served as a vice-president of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, has pledged to prioritise EU funds absorption and anti-corruption measures. His ability to navigate the fragmented parliament will determine whether Romania can avoid another snap election in the coming months.
Nicuor Dan names Eugen Tomac prime minister after weeks of deadlock