Romanian PM oficially announces new government structure

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has publicly announced the list of new ministers, the day the country's new Parliament met for the first time today (December 19 ). The new government will have 24 ministers and three Vice-Prime Ministers. Six ministerial delegates are also included in the new government. In total, Romania will have 28 members in the government, including the Prime Minister. Most of those on the list held ministry seats in the past, and only a couple are new names, who did not serve as ministers in the past. The increase in Government seats was justified by the need to have one person responsible for fewer things, the PM explained, rather than one minister taking care of a handful of important issues. Parliament should approve the new government by vote before the end of this week, and if the new executive gets the green light, the new ministers will take their oaths on Friday. Check the full list below: Vice-PMs Gabriel Oprea - no portfolio Liviu Dragnea - portfolio Administration and Regional Development Daniel Chitoiu - Finance Minister The Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the UNPR Defense - Mircea Dusa External Affairs - Titus Corlatean Energy - Constantin Nita (new name) Communications - Dan Nica Administration and Regional Development - Liviu Dragnea European Funds - Eugen Teodorovici Education - Remus Pricopie (new name) Environment - Rovana Plumb Infrastructure - Dan Sova Youth and Sports - Nicolae Bănicioiu (new name) The National Liberal Party and the Conservative Party Finance - Daniel Chiţoiu Health - Eugen Nicolăescu Culture - Daniel Barbu Agriculture - Daniel Constantin Transports - Relu Fenechiu (new name) Domestic Affairs - Radu Stroe Labor - Mariana Campeanu Forestry and water - Lucia Varga (new name) Small and medium enterprises, tourism and business environment - Maria Grapini (new name) Justice - Mona Pivniceru Industry and Trade - Varujan Vosganian Delegate ministers Delegate for Budget - Liviu Voinea Parliament liaison - Mihai Voicu Social dialogue - Doina Pana Romanians abroad and the Republic of Moldova liaison - Cristian David editor@romania-insider.com