Who would be part of Luca Niculescu’s hybrid government: The cabinet would consist of technocrats and social democrats - sources

PSD is expected to join the government alongside independent ministers in the Luca Niculescu government, in an Executive formula currently being negotiated, while the Social Democrats are preparing for the meeting of the National Political Council. The list is not official, and the allocation of portfolios remains under discussion, Digi24 reports, citing sources. This comes after President Nicușor Dan issued an apparent ultimatum to the parliamentary parties: either the Luca Niculescu government passes or snap elections are initiated.

According to Digi24 information, the names being floated include diplomat Dan Neculăescu at Foreign Affairs, Alexandru Nazare at Finance, and Sorin Costreie at Education. Vlad Ionescu, another diplomat, is mentioned for Defense, while PSD could propose ministers such as Bogdan Ivan for Energy, Florin Manole for Labor, Alexandru Rogobete for Health, Marian Neacșu for the Interior, Radu Marinescu for Justice, and Daniel Zamfir for the Economy. Marian Neacșu had also proposed himself for the Interior Ministry in the Adrian Veștea government, which failed to pass the parliamentary vote.

Marian Neacșu also stated that “it will be a mixed government, if it comes to that”.

The Ministry of Finance is one of the main points of contention, with the Social Democrats wanting their own representative. For Agriculture, Development, Transport, Environment, Culture, and European Funds, there are currently no clearly established names, according to Digi24.

Sources from HotNews.ro, however, claim that the Interior Ministry and Energy are still under discussion. Mihai Ghigiu (PSD) would be proposed for Environment, another Social Democrat, Radu Oprea, would be proposed for Defense, while Development would also go to PSD.

PSD is set to establish its position within the party’s expanded leadership. Prime Minister-designate Luca Niculescu announced that he will submit the governing program and the list of ministers to Parliament on Thursday. PNL would support some policies from the opposition, while UDMR has announced that it will vote for the government. USR, however, rules out supporting an Executive that includes PSD ministers.