Romanian Parliament approves new technocratic government led by Dacian Ciolos

Romania’s technocratic government proposed by designated prime minister Dacian Ciolos received the vote of approval in the Parliament on Tuesday, after days of political negotiations. A large majority of MPs voted in favor of the new government, as both major political groups – the Social Democrats and the Liberals – announced their support, with only the Liberal Democrats and other, smaller political groups opposed it.

Ciolos’ government, which is yet to be sworn in, replaces the Social Democratic government led by Victor Ponta. Ponta resigned earlier this month in the wake of a fire in a Bucharest nightclub, which killed dozens of people and, ultimately blamed on corruption, prompted a wave of mass protests across the country.

Prior to the vote today, Social Democratic (PSD) leader Liviu Dragnea warned the new prime minister he would not hesitate to „fire” him unless the new government complied with the terms set forward by the PSD: a continuation of measures applied by the previous government and a proper organisation of local and general elections due next year.

And Liberal (PNL) leaders Alina Gorghiu and Vasile Blaga assured Ciolos of their support but warned they would criticize him if things go wrong.

The selection of the new ministers in the technocratic government was not an easy task. The man initially selected for Health had to be replaced when pictures of him modelling in underwear appeared online, while the representative of a prominent NGO, who was initially named for Justice, was replaced when she failed to make a good impression in parliamentary hearings on Monday.