Sources: Luca Niculescu Emerges as Nicușor Dan’s Choice for Prime Minister, With PSD Open to Supporting Him

Luca Niculescu has emerged as President Nicușor Dan’s preferred compromise candidate for Romania’s next prime minister, according to political sources cited by Adevărul. The discussions come as parties search for a government formula capable of securing a parliamentary majority.

Niculescu’s name has appeared in earlier negotiations. Dan previously supported considering him for the foreign minister’s post. His diplomatic profile is now being viewed as suitable for a compromise premiership while the parties remain unable to agree on a candidate who meets all their political requirements.

The president is seeking a government that can win support from the parties negotiating the formation of the new executive. The choice of prime minister sits at the center of those talks, and any agreement on Niculescu would depend on the final political arrangement.

The Social Democratic Party has officially nominated Sorin Grindeanu and wants a government built around the PSD. Its leader has said the party will negotiate with other parliamentary groups over a governing formula. At the same time, sources say the party could accept an independent prime minister if it retained an important role in the government and control over key policy areas.

That condition could place Niculescu within the category of candidates acceptable to the PSD, the article says. There is no official nomination at this stage, and his name remains among several options being discussed. Niculescu is a career diplomat and former journalist who served as Romania’s ambassador to France and later held senior positions at the Foreign Ministry. He is also national coordinator for Romania’s effort to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.