ATHENS

Romanian President Nicusor Dan appointed senior liberal politician Illie Bolojan to the premiership on Friday, according to broadcaster Digi 24.

Thanking Bolojan and the liberal parties that are negotiating to form a pro-West reform government – the Social Democrat Party (PSD), National Liberal Party (PNL), Save Romania Union (USR), and Hungarians’ Union (UDMR) – Dan said, “It is in Romania's interest that the government be supported by a solid majority,” citing the immense problems the country faces.

“The urgency for Romania is economic recovery, but to have an economic recovery, you need to have a solid foundation. And for that, we have to work and the responsibility lies with the government and the coalition that will support it,” he said.

Bolojan, for his part, thanked the president for the nomination and said he would do his best to finalize coalition talks as soon as possible.

“In these actions, I will pursue three directions. Let us put the country's finances in order, let us work for good governance that will create conditions for development in Romania, and, through everything we do, last but not least, let us show due respect to Romanians,” he said.

Bolojan, 56, leader of the centrist, liberal National Liberal Party (PNL), previously acted as head of the Romanian Senate and interim president of the country from February to May.