Catalin Predoiu Appointed Romania’s Interim Prime Minister by Interim President

Cătălin Predoiu, Romania’s Interior Affairs minister and interim president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), was appointed interim prime minister on May 6, 2025, following Marcel Ciolacu’s resignation. The funny thing, though, if anything could be funny about Romania’s situation now, is that interim President Ilie Bolojan made his appointment.

Ciolacu, leader of the Social Democrat Party (PSD), stepped down after his candidate failed to advance to the second round of the presidential elections. This led to a political crisis and the PSD’s exit from the governing coalition.

Predoiu, a seasoned politician and former justice minister, will lead the government temporarily. His mandate is limited to a maximum of 45 days, until a new administration is established after the presidential run-off on May 18. His appointment comes amid heightened political uncertainty, with far-right leader George Simion leading the first round of the presidential vote and pro-EU mayor Nicușor Dan set to face him in the decisive second round.

The interim government, now led by Predoiu, is expected to handle only day-to-day affairs until the political situation stabilises and a new prime minister is formally appointed.