Romania’s ruling Social Democrat party picks new nominee for prime minister

Romanian President Klaus Ioannis (L) greets leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party Liviu Dragnea (C) at the Cotroceni presidential palace in Bucharest, Romania, June 26, 2017, after the party nominated former economy minister, Mihai Tudose, to be the next prime minister. (Photo by AP)

Romania’s ruling Social Democrat party (PSD) has picked a new nominee for prime minister in an attempt to resolve the country’s political crisis.

On Monday, the leftist Social Democrats picked former economy minister, Mihai Tudose, after they ousted their own party member Sorin Grindeanu from the position of prime minister on Wednesday over his failure to implement the party’s ambitious governing plan.

Analysts said many PSD members were dissatisfied with Grindeanu's failure to relax anti-corruption rules. In February, massive street protests forced the government to withdraw a decree that decriminalized some graft offences.

Nomination of Tudose is aimed at resolving the political crisis that may shatter investors’ confidence in Romania’s fast-growing economy.

The party had considered six people for the post, but five of them declined the offer.

Analysts say the reluctance to accept the position is caused by Social Democrats’ abrupt decision to oust their former premier.

Romania’s ruling Social Democrats picked former economy minister, Mihai Tudose, (seen above) as their new nominee to become prime minister on June 26, 2017. (Photo by MD Press)

Lawmakers are expected to approve Tudose’s government on Thursday, if centrist President Klaus Iohannis approves the nomination.

However, there are concerns over continuation of the deadlock, as the president is likely to reject the pick.

In 2016, Tudose voluntarily gave up his doctoral title after accusations of plagiarism. Some political analysts say the president may reject Tudose over such accusations.

Iohannis has already stressed that he will only agree to a person with integrity.

In recent weeks, investors have been concerned about Romania despite the country’s rapid growth rate of over 5 percent in the first quarter.

Romania is the EU’s fastest growing economy but one of its poorest and most corrupt members. The country needs extensive investment in its underdeveloped transport, healthcare and education sectors.