Romania's Muresan Vows Pro-European Reformer Government as Political Crisis Drags On

Romania's designated prime minister, Siegfried Muresan, said on Friday that he is prepared to form what he described as a "serious, pro-European reformer government," pledging an agenda focused on modernising the country and improving living standards.

Speaking in Bucharest, the Liberal European lawmaker said Romania needs a credible government as soon as possible, one that would carry forward the reform measures, projects and programmes begun over the past year. He added that the country has gained credibility and become more stable and stronger in that period, and that it must stay on the same path.

Muresan's nomination was announced on Thursday by President Nicusor Dan, who turned to the 44-year-old member of the European Parliament and the centre-right National Liberal Party, or PNL, after two earlier attempts to install a prime minister failed.

Dan had made two nominations in June, following a no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in May. In naming Muresan, the president pointed to his experience in the European Parliament as a qualification for the premiership.

Muresan has served as an MEP since 2014 and is a vice chair of the European People's Party group in the European Parliament.

Under the process, he now has 10 days to present a cabinet to Parliament.