Cătălin Predoiu Appointed Interim Prime Minister Ahead of Romanian Election Run-Off

Romanian Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu was appointed interim Prime Minister on Tuesday, following the resignation of Marcel Ciolacu in the wake of his party’s disappointing performance in the first round of the presidential election.

Predoiu, a member of the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), assumes the role just two weeks before the May 18 presidential run-off between far-right frontrunner George Simion and conservative Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan. His interim government will operate with limited powers until a new cabinet is confirmed by parliament.

The appointment was made by interim President Ilie Bolojan, who has held the role since February after Klaus Iohannis stepped down.

Ciolacu’s resignation also marked the end of the PSD–PNL coalition. However, Social Democrat (PSD) ministers will continue in caretaker roles, and the party has announced it will not endorse any candidate in the run-off.

In contrast, the PNL, Save Romania Union (USR), and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR/RMDSZ) have thrown their support behind Dan, despite his pledge to run independently of party affiliations.

In Sunday’s first-round vote, Simion led with 40.96% of the vote, with Dan trailing at 20.99%. Analysts suggest Dan’s ties to unpopular pro-European parties may weaken his chances in the final round.