Bolojan: No PM Name Discussed with President, Interim Too Long

Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan told B1 TV on Thursday that recent institutional meetings with President Nicușor Dan did not include any discussion of a prime minister-designate, including speculated candidate Luca Niculescu. Bolojan described Niculescu as a capable diplomat who managed Romania's OECD accession but said the premiership was not on the agenda.

Bolojan revealed he cleared his office four months ago after the government fell to a censure motion in May, thanking staff and cleaning personnel, signaling he does not cling to the position. He emphasized that the caretaker period has extended far too long for Romania's legislative framework.

“De patru luni de zile mi-am golit biroul, mi-am luat rămas bun de la colegii din guvern, le-am mulțumit pentru activitate, le-am căutat și pe doamnele care fac curat în birou să le mulțumesc.”

Two previous presidential designates failed to form a government: Eugen Tomac resigned before parliamentary confirmation, and Adrian Veștea failed to secure an investiture majority. Bolojan cited Belgium as an example of countries that can function without a government for months, but said Romania's system is not built for such prolonged interims.

The PNL leader stressed that discussions on forming a new government are now at decisive moments for the country, as the extended provisional arrangement hampers state functionality.