Romania’s New Coalition Government: Key Figures, Priorities, and Challenges

Written by the Issue Monitoring Team

Romania has entered a new political chapter with the re-establishment of a PSD-PNL-UDMR Coalition Government. Led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu (PSD) and supported by President Klaus Iohannis, the Cabinet was approved by the Parliament on December 23, 2024, securing a majority with 240 votes in favor and 143 against. This government aims to act as a "sanitary cordon" against the rise of ultranationalist parties while addressing significant economic and social challenges. The Coalition comprises 16 ministries, with PSD overseeing 8, PNL 6, and UDMR 2 portfolios.

Stakeholder Profiles:

• Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu (PSD): A seasoned political leader, Ciolacu has extensive experience across various governmental roles, including Deputy Mayor, Deputy Prime Minister, and President of the Chamber of Deputies. Under his leadership, PSD secured victories in recent local and general elections but lost the presidential race in November 2024. His full CV is available here.

Deputy Prime Ministers:

• Marian Neac?u (PSD): Economist with a strong background in economic policymaking, previously serving as Secretary-General of the Government and interim Minister of Labor. Details here.
• C?t?lin Predoiu (PNL): Former Justice Minister and experienced legislator, Predoiu will also lead the Ministry of Interior. Details here.
• Tánczos Barna (UDMR): Economist and former Minister of Environment, now set to oversee the Ministry of Finance. Details here.

Minister of Justice

Radu Marinescu (PSD)

PSD member Radu Marinescu, nominated as Minister of Justice, served three terms as a Craiova local councilor (2016–2024) and is now a deputy for Dolj County. An attorney since 1995, he handled high-profile cases, including those of Craiova Mayor Lia Olgu?a Vasilescu and her husband, Claudiu Manda, in corruption trials. Marinescu’s professional background can be explored further here.

Minister of Development, Public Works, and Administration

Attila Cseke (UDMR) serves his second term as minister, previously leading the Ministry of Health (2009–2011). A senator in the 2024–2028 legislature, he has been a Parliament member in four terms since 2008. Cseke entered public administration in 2005 as Secretary of State and transitioned to politics after earning a law degree in 2000. His CV can be accessed here.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure

Sorin Grindeanu (PSD), reappointed as Minister of Transport, has held this role since November 2021 and previously served as Deputy Prime Minister in the Ciuc? Government. Formerly Prime Minister (2017), he also led ANCOM and served as Minister of Information Society. A PSD deputy for Timi?, Grindeanu has chaired PSD Timi? organizations. He graduated in Mathematics specializing in Computer Science and pursued postgraduate studies in databases and social statistics.

Minister of Energy

Sebastian Burduja (PNL) continues as Minister of Energy, a role held since June 2023. Previously, he served as Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digitalization (2021–2023). President of PNL Bucharest, Burduja has extensive public and private sector experience, including roles at the World Bank and Dalberg. A Stanford and Harvard graduate, he founded initiatives like LSRS to leverage Romanian talent abroad. Burduja also holds a PhD in Economics. Full CV here.

Minister of Health

Alexandru Rafila (PSD) continues as Minister of Health, a role held since November 2021. A PSD deputy since 2020, he co-authored the Romanian Beating Cancer Plan and is President of the Romanian Society of Microbiology. Rafila also serves on the WHO-Europe Permanent Committee and previously held positions in the WHO Executive Committee and ECDC. A medical doctor since 1981, he holds a PhD in Microbiology from UMF Carol Davila. Full CV here.

Minister of National Defence

Angel T?lv?r, Romania's Minister of National Defence since October 2022, represents the Social Democratic Party (PSD). A deputy since 2008, T?lv?r previously served as a senator and an English teacher. Under his leadership, Romania enhanced its defense capabilities by acquiring F-35 jets and achieving operational readiness with Patriot missile systems. Born in Vrancea County, he graduated from the University of Bucharest in 1985, bringing extensive experience to his role in national defense.

Minister of External Affairs

Emil Hurezeanu, an independent supported by PNL, is nominated as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Ciolacu Government. Currently Romania's ambassador to Austria, he has also served as ambassador to Germany, director of Radio Free Europe, and a journalist for Deutsche Welle. A graduate of Cluj-Napoca's Faculty of Law, Hurezeanu holds a master’s in international relations from Boston. His career spans diplomacy, foreign policy, and journalism. Full CV here.

Minister of Culture

Natalia Intotero (PSD), is now the Minister of Culter. She has been Minister of Family, Youth, and Equal Opportunities and a three-term deputy since 2012. Her career began as a city councillor in 2004, later holding roles as County Councillor, Secretary of State, and Minister for Romanians Abroad. An educator by profession, she holds degrees in political management, Romanian language, and international relations, complemented by diplomatic studies. Full CV here.

Minister of Education and Research

Daniel David, an independent supported by PNL, is now the Minister of Education. Currently Rector of Babe?-Bolyai University, he is a professor of clinical cognitive sciences and President of the Romanian Psychologists' Association. A corresponding member of the Romanian Academy since 2022, he previously advised Education Minister Mircea Miclea and served on a presidential education commission. A psychology graduate with a PhD partially completed at SUNY Binghamton, he pursued postdoctoral studies in behavioral medicine at Mount Sinai. Full CV here.

Minister of Investments and European Funds

Marcel Bolo? (PNL) is set for his third term as Minister of Investments and European Projects, previously serving in the Orban and Ciuc? governments. From June 2023 to December 2024, he was Minister of Finance and briefly Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digitalization. An economist and engineer, he is also a university professor and former Director General of the North-West Regional Development Agency. Bolo? holds multiple degrees and a master’s in financial management. Full CV here.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Florin Barbu (PSD) continues as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, a role he assumed in June 2023 under Marcel Ciolacu's government. Previously, he was a deputy (2020–2024) and chaired the Agriculture Committee in the Chamber of Deputies (2021–2023). Barbu held leadership roles in Slatina’s administration and was Director of ANIF (2014–2020). He holds a degree in Economic Sciences and a PhD in Economics from the University of Craiova. Full CV here.

Minister of Labour, Family, Youth, and Social Solidarity

Simona Bucura-Oprescu (PSD) has been Minister of Labor and Social Solidarity since 2023 and is in her third term as a deputy, presiding over the Public Administration Commission. Formerly vice-president of the Arge? County Council and general manager at TOP IMAGE, she holds a bachelor’s in banking financial management, a master’s in international relations, and postgraduate qualifications in internal affairs management and national security. Full CV here.

Minister of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism

Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, nominated as Minister of Economy and Digitalization, previously served as Minister of Digitalization (2023–2024) in the Ciolacu Government. A deputy from 2020–2024, he also worked as spokesperson for Bistri?a-N?s?ud County Council (2012–2020). Ivan holds a bachelor’s in public administration and a master’s in communication and public relations from Babe?-Bolyai University, as well as PhD studies in sociology at the University of Bucharest. Full CV here.

Minister of Environment, Waters, and Forests

Mircea Fechet (PNL), proposed as Minister of Environment, continues in this role, which he resumed in June 2024 after serving briefly in 2020. With expertise in public administration and environmental protection, he has led projects like Bac?u County’s Integrated Waste Management. Fechet holds degrees in Food Science (Dun?rea de Jos University) and Law (George Bacovia University) and completed governance-focused programs, including the "International Visitor Leadership Program" in Washington, D.C. Full CV here.

GOVERNING PROGRAM

Overview The new governing program, established by PSD, PNL, UDMR, and the National Minority Group, emphasizes sustainability and macroeconomic predictability, aligning with business, trade union, and civil society expectations. Centered on reforms and investments, it targets reducing state expenditures and modernizing Romania. Key measures include merging institutions, reducing state employees, and freezing planned increases. It prioritizes streamlining public administration, investing in disadvantaged areas, simplifying bureaucracy, and improving fiscal efficiency to reduce the budget deficit and public debt.

State’s Reform The program outlines reforms in central administration, reducing ministries to 16 and cutting government agencies by 25%. Decentralized services will be consolidated, with ministries limited to two territorial services. Efficiency audits will guide restructuring and mergers. To address regional disparities, targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare aim to foster inclusive development. Simplified procedures for European fund access and a one-stop-shop for investment approvals will streamline bureaucracy and enhance service delivery.

Decentralization is a core focus, transferring poorly managed assets to local authorities for repurposing and maintenance. The program advocates subsidiarity, enabling local decisions through dialogue with mayors and council leaders. Funding for local projects will prioritize efficiency and co-financing capabilities, promoting financial responsibility. Social and youth housing projects will address critical needs, empowering municipalities to improve community living standards.

Fiscal and Budgetary Reform Fiscal reform emphasizes reducing public spending and achieving consolidation. Measures include centralized procurement, cost control, and prioritizing high-impact investments. Modernizing public institutions involves merit-based criteria for civil servants, technological development, and green transition support, aligning with OECD standards.

The government aims to reduce the ESA budget deficit to 7% of GDP by 2025 and maintain public debt below 60% of GDP. Measures include maintaining a flat tax rate, reducing labor taxes for low-income earners and families with children, and eliminating health insurance contributions for students and eligible pensioners. A progressive wealth tax will contribute to fiscal equity.

Investments The government commits EUR 155 billion over five years to transform infrastructure and the economy. EUR 27 billion will enhance connectivity through highways, express roads, and modernized railways. Healthcare investments include regional hospitals, health centers, and modernized facilities. Education will receive EUR 6 billion for reducing dropout rates, expanding school meal programs, and modernizing schools with energy-efficient solutions.

Agriculture and industry investments of EUR 16 billion will focus on irrigation and production facilities. Targeted initiatives in 300 smaller towns aim to reduce disparities and create sustainable economies.

Demographic Package The program includes measures to support families with children, such as subsidies and guarantees for home purchases and favorable loans. Plans to build 100,000 social housing units and expand childcare facilities aim to promote demographic revitalization. Investments in equitable access to quality education ensure no child is left behind.

Conclusion The governing program prioritizes sustainability, modernization, and inclusivity, focusing on reforms, fiscal responsibility, and targeted investments to foster economic growth and improve public trust. Detailed ministry priorities are available in the full program here.

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