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Viorica Dancila nominated by PSD's CExN for PM office
Viorica Dancila was nominated by the National Executive Committee (CExN) of the Social Democratic Party (PSD, major at rule) for the Prime Minister office, Social-Democrat sources said on Tuesday The nomination was voted unanimously by the leadership forum, with one abstention.
Earlier on Tuesday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis appointed PSD member Defence Minister Mihai Fifor as interim prime minister, prompting speculation from analysts that Fifor would likely be Iohannis’ preferred replacement for Tudose.
“There is now obviously a need for a government to shorten this period of uncertainty,” Iohannis said. “I want us to have a swift procedure that will lead to a new government because ... I want to avoid as much as possible potential negative economic consequences.”
Defence Minister Fifor, 47, has contributed to the acquisition of multi-billion military equipment and hardware to modernise Romania’s army, including Patriot missiles from the United States.
“Given the president’s statements ... he may accept this nomination. But he may want to push further for Fifor case in which I gave her a 50-50 chance to be appointed,” said independent political analyst Cristian Patrasconiu.
According to Art. 107 Para 3 of the Constitution, "...the President of Romania shall appoint another member of the government as acting Prime Minister, tasked with fulfilling the relevant responsibilities until a new government is formed." The term as interim can be of maximum 45 days.
Who is Viorica Dancila
Viorica Dancila is a European deputy, a member of the Socialists and Democrats’ Progressive Alliance Group in the European Parliament. She had another similar mandate between 2009 and 2014. She is also vice-chair of the European parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
An oil and gas drilling engineer, she was born in the same county as Dragnea and served under him on the Teleorman County Council.
Dancila is close to PSD leader Liviu Dragnea and is backed by him for the position of head of the Romanian European MPs in the European Parliament, a position she holds at present.
Moreover, Dancila comes from Teleorman county, where she used to be the leader of social-democrat Videle (the same city as Carmen Dan, minister of Interior) Women’s Organization and was also county councillor.