Romanian president nominated Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, country’s intelligence chief, as PM-designate

Romanian president Traian Basescu has nominated the country’s intelligence service chief as prime minister, hours after Emil Bloc resigned amid austerity protests.

“The ruling coalition agreed to appoint Mihai Razvan Ungureanu as prime minister designate,” President Traian Basescu said in a statement.

The nomination now requires approval by Romania’s parliament.

Former PM Emil Boc, 45, said he was stepping down to “defuse political and social tension” in the face of three weeks of protests.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Emil Boc said he had given up the government’s mandate as “it is the moment for important political decisions”.

Emil Boc has imposed a 25% cut in public sector wages and a freeze on pensions.

Sales tax was also increased to 24%, in a country seen as Europe’s second poorest.

Romania said it needed to implement the measures to qualify for the next instalment of a 20 billion-euro ($25 billion) bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

After Emil Boc resignation, President Traian Basescu took the procedural step of appointing the former Justice Minister Catalin Predoiu as caretaker prime minister, before announcing the nomination of Mihai Razvan Ungureanu.

Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, 43, has a master’s degree from Oxford University and was foreign minister between 2004 and 2007 during Traian Basescu’s first term of office.

“Reforms will continue. The added value that I will bring resides in my experience as a manager,” said Mihai Razvan Ungureanu after his nomination.

Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, 43, has a master's degree from Oxford University and was foreign minister between 2004 and 2007 during Traian Basescu's first term of office

Protests broke out last month, initially against the resignation of popular junior health minister Raed Arafat, but soon became an expression of discontent against austerity and corruption.

The left-wing opposition USL alliance, headed by Victor Ponta and Crin Antonescu, is currently leading the opinion polls. Victor Ponta suggested last week that Romania should either have early elections similar to Spain, or temporarily install a technocrat administration, like Italy.

Victor Ponta has said he favours continuing the current, $26 billion standby credit agreement with the IMF, but would like to gradually adjust it.

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago