Tomac Government's Final List: Who Joins the Cabinet and Who Replaces Papahagi at Culture

Romanian Prime Minister-designate Eugen Tomac has finalized his cabinet list, announcing Mihai Ghyka as the new Minister of Culture. Ghyka steps in after Adrian Papahagi, who had initially accepted the role, withdrew his candidacy before the government's investiture.

Papahagi explained his decision in a Facebook post, stating he was contacted by Tomac, a former party colleague, and accepted the offer. However, he later reconsidered due to emerging political disputes and tensions surrounding the government formation process. "In the current political context, I am not willing to be part of a political and institutional conflict that surpasses me and which I do not desire," Papahagi wrote. He expressed a wish to remain an independent academic and citizen, free in his expression, rather than be caught between factions.

The finalized list sees Eugen Tomac serving as prime minister. Sorin Costreie is proposed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Research. Valeriu Nistor and Bogdan Dumitru will be Deputy Prime Ministers without portfolio. Key ministerial appointments include Tiberiu Trifan for Interior, Ionuț Simion for Finance, Ionuț Mașala for Transport and Infrastructure, and Cosmin Soare-Filatov for Justice. Dănuț Sebastian Neculăescu is nominated for Defense, Florin Duma for Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, and Ștefan Dragosloveanu for Health. Nicolae Istudor will head Agriculture and Rural Development, while diplomat Luca Niculescu is proposed for Foreign Affairs. Carmen Moraru will lead the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, and Teodor Dulceață is nominated for Environment, Waters and Forests. Diana Morar is slated for the Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity, and Vladimir Ionaș for Development, Public Works and Administration. Andrei Covatariu is proposed for the Ministry of Energy.

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In the current political context, I am not willing to be part of a political and institutional conflict that surpasses me and which I do not desire. The political struggle of parties and their electoral plans are legitimate, but I do not wish to be caught in the middle between a camp I sympathize with, but which is divided today, and one I have always fought. I had a conversation with the prime minister-designate on this matter. I therefore remain a simple academic and a citizen interested in the life of the city, free in my expression.