Romanian Social Democrats pick new prime minister

Background:

The announcement followed a no-confidence vote put forward by the Social Democrats against its own head of government Sorin Grindeanu. The former prime minister refused to leave the office after he lost the support of the party's executive committee. The committee concluded Mr Grindeanu had not been able to fulfil the governing programme after six months in office.

The coalition government - comprising social democrats (PSD) and liberals (ALDE) - took office in January 2017 following endorsement by the Parliament and nomination by the country's President.

Romania's outgoing economy minister Mihai Tudose was designated by the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) as the country's new prime minister on 26 June 2017.

Mr Tudose had 10 days to gain the vote of confidence in his government and his programme, which was likely to be granted given the majority his party holds together with its junior coalition partner.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Romania’s political crisis reflects severe tensions within the country’s Social Democratic Party [EuroppBlog, June 2017] http://www.europeansources.info/record/romanias-political-crisis-reflects-severe-tensions-within-the-countrys-social-democratic-party/

Euronews, 26.06.17: Romania picks a new Prime Minister http://www.euronews.com/2017/06/26/romania-picks-a-new-prime-minister

Politico, 26.06.17: Former economy minister lined up to be Romanian PM http://www.politico.eu/article/mihai-tudose-lined-up-to-be-romania-prime-minister/

Balkan Insight, 26.06.17: Romanian President Consults With Parties Over New PM https://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/romanian-ruling-party-set-to-name-new-pm-06-26-2017

Deutsche Welle, 26.06.17: Romanian president appoints Social Democrat Mihai Tudose as new PM http://p.dw.com/p/2fR9q

Euro|Topics: Debates, June 2017: Can Tudose lead Romania out of the crisis? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/181510/can-tudose-lead-romania-out-of-the-crisis

European Council: Press Release, 30.06.17: Letter of congratulations from President Donald Tusk to Mihai Tudose on his appointment as Prime Minister of Romania http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/06/30-tusk-congratulation-tudose-romania/

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