Diplomat is Romania’s fourth prime ministerial candidate in five months – POLITICO

A senior diplomat will try to form a new government as Romania’s prime minister, in an attempt to end a five-month stalemate that threatens the country’s economic and political stability. 

President Nicușor Dan named Luca Niculescu, secretary of state in the foreign ministry, as prime minister-designate on Monday. He is the fourth candidate tasked with leading a government since the coalition collapsed in May. 

To be confirmed in the role, Niculescu will need to win a vote in Romania’s parliament within 10 days to show he has majority support for his new ministerial team and their program for government.