BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) – On Thursday, Romania's President Nicusor Dan nominated Eugen Tomac, one of his advisors and a current member of the European Parliament, to become the Prime Minister. This move comes as Dan aims to resolve a significant political crisis following the collapse of the previous coalition government in March 2026.
The nomination of 44-year-old Tomac is set against a backdrop of weeks of political deadlock in Romania, a member state of the European Union. President Dan emphasized his choice of Tomac due to his "independence, experience, and values," which he believes make him an excellent candidate for the role. Speaking at the Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, Dan stated, “I chose a person independent of the parties in Parliament, who has the political experience to discuss with each of the parties, because consensus from many parties is needed on many issues. This is an act of responsibility on my part, and I expect the same responsibility from the political parties.”
In his response, Tomac acknowledged the challenging political and economic situation presently facing Romania, indicating that he plans to propose a team of specialists to Parliament to form what he describes as "a technical government, not a political one." He added, “I understand the political stakes. They are legitimate and natural in a democratic state, but I know that Romania now needs national projects carried through to the end and clear objectives.”
Tomac’s nomination follows a significant political upheaval last month when a no-confidence vote led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. This vote came after the Social Democratic Party (PSD), part of the previous coalition, along with the nationalist opposition Alliance for the Unity of Romanians party, submitted the motion against Bolojan's government.
In his role as a Member of the European Parliament, Tomac is associated with the Renew Europe group, a pro-European liberal faction. He previously served as a member of Romania's parliament from 2012 to 2019 before being appointed as an advisor to President Dan last year. Tomac has expressed alignment with Dan's vision for Romania, which includes fostering a strong relationship with the European Union, enhancing partnership with the United States, and prioritizing Romania's relevance within NATO. He stated, “Economic competitiveness is very important, because only a strong economy can support the well-being that the citizens of Romania deserve.”
Romania currently faces one of the highest budget deficits in the EU, compounded by rampant inflation and a technical recession. When the previous coalition government came to power in June 2025, their priority was to reduce the budget deficit. Bolojan was tasked with addressing one of the most severe political crises in Romania’s post-communist history.
As an MEP, Tomac holds a position on the European Parliament’s culture and education committee and has actively supported Moldova’s pursuit of EU membership. Additionally, he leads the People’s Movement Party, a smaller pro-European center-right political organization that upholds Christian democratic and classical liberal values.
Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, commented that President Dan’s nomination suggests the forthcoming cabinet will likely consist of “neutral ministers” who are experts from various sectors including state administration and major businesses, but will require negotiated support from political parties. Andrei added, “The extent to which the large political parties will be involved at lower levels of the cabinet will determine how long this experiment will last. The president will act as a facilitator of a cabinet and will negotiate every political deal through a low-profile prime minister.”
The previous coalition comprised the PSD, the National Liberal Party, the reformist Save Romania Union party, and the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party, alongside support from national minorities.
