Romanian PM proposes interim ministers for vacant Govt. positions

Prime minister Viorica Dăncilă has proposed current finance minister Eugen Teodorovici as interim minister for regional development and EU funds minister Rovana Plumb as interim transport minister. The PM sent the proposals to President Klaus Iohannis. Last Friday, Iohannis said he would not sign the decrees appointing Lia-Olguta Vasilescu as development minister and Mircea Draghici as transport minister, thus refusing the prime minister’s proposals for the two ministries for the second time. The ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) has been trying to fill the regional development and transport minister positions since end-November last year, when it reshuffled the Government. At first, former labor minister Lia-Olguta Vasilescu was proposed as transport minister and Ilan Laufer as regional development minister. Iohannis rejected the proposals as "unfit." Afterwards, PSD proposed Lia-Olguta Vasilescu for the Development Ministry and Mircea Draghici for the Transport Ministry. Iohannis postponed announcing a decision and, on January 4, he said he would reject the PM’s proposals for the two positions. The Government said it was waiting for the President’s explanation for turning down the proposals. At the same time, the Government said that it was “vital” that a cabinet of ministers “with full attributions in exerting their jobs” is present at the first meeting with the College of Commissioners. This is scheduled for January 10, as part of Romania's holding of the EU Council presidency. Romanian president rejects PM’s minister proposals for second time Romanian Court says President must address Govt. reshuffle request editor@romania-insider.com