Liberal Party votes to install government it will not join
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The National Liberal Party (PNL) has decided that the best way to oppose the new government is to first ensure it exists. Under Ilie Bolojan, the party will vote to confirm Prime Minister-designate Luca Niculescu and his Social Democrat-heavy cabinet, primarily to ensure a budget is passed. Having provided the votes for investiture, the Liberals say they will then head straight for the opposition benches.
The incoming government’s justice program arrives with a notable absence of new anti-corruption measures, a detail that has not escaped local critics. Elsewhere, the nominated Minister for European Funds has promised an audit of his own department to find out why payments to project beneficiaries have stalled. It is a busy morning for oversight: football coach Daniel Pancu is facing a discrimination inquiry over alleged xenophobia following a recent victory.
Air force pilots in F-16s shot down two Russian Geran drones over the Black Sea during a brief operation. Closer to the ground, the weather service has warned of 90 km/h gusts and sleet, while the mayor of Voluntari has spent €2m on a building in Pipera to serve as a school.