Romania Has a New Government After More Than Five Months of Political Crisis. Luca Niculescu’s Cabinet Wins Parliamentary Confidence Vote with 280 Votes
Romania’s Parliament has approved the government led by Prime Minister-designate Luca Niculescu, with 280 votes in favour and 58 against. The next steps are the swearing-in ceremony at Cotroceni Palace and the new Cabinet’s official assumption of office.
After more than five months of political crisis and interim government arrangements, Romania is set to have a fully empowered government. The Cabinet proposed by Prime Minister-designate Luca Niculescu received Parliament’s vote of confidence on 20 October 2026, during a joint session of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
According to the official results announced in Parliament, 355 of the 464 members of Parliament were present, and 338 votes were cast. Of these, 280 were in favour of granting confidence to the Government, while 58 were against. No votes were declared invalid.
The new Cabinet secured the parliamentary majority required to begin its work.
Luca Niculescu: “Romania Can No Longer Wait”
Following the announcement of the result, Luca Niculescu thanked Parliament and the political parties that supported the new Government, highlighting the responsibility that comes with the mandate.
“I received this vote with emotion and a sense of responsibility. I thank Parliament for its confidence, the PSD for its support, and the PNL, UDMR, national minorities and all the MPs who voted for this Government. This is an important moment for Romania. We are emerging from six months of crisis and will get straight to work. We will hold the first Government meeting this very evening. The priorities are well known. Romania can no longer wait,” the new Prime Minister said.
Niculescu indicated that the Government would begin its work immediately, as Romania faces a range of economic and administrative challenges.
Swearing-In Ceremony at Cotroceni Palace
Following Parliament’s vote of confidence, the members of the new Government are expected to take the oath of office before the President of Romania at Cotroceni Palace. The Cabinet will then officially assume its responsibilities.
The new Government’s appointment marks the end of a prolonged period of political uncertainty following the dismissal of the Government led by Ilie Bolojan on 5 May 2026.
The priorities announced by the Prime Minister and the commitments set out in the governing programme will now need to be translated into concrete measures, particularly in areas such as public finances, economic policy and the reforms associated with Romania’s European commitments.
