Luca Niculescu proposes new Romanian cabinet structure

Designated Prime Minister Luca Niculescu has proposed a new cabinet structure for Romania, featuring a notable plan to establish a dedicated artificial intelligence department within the Ministry of Communications. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) has validated 11 ministerial positions for the upcoming government, including Marian Neacșu for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Florin Barbu for Agriculture, and Natalia Intotero for the Ministry of Environment.

The nomination of Marian Neacșu has drawn significant political scrutiny due to a 2016 conviction for conflict of interest, though he has since been legally rehabilitated. While Niculescu defended Neacșu as a “competent man in Romanian administration,” political opponents, including members of the PNL and USR, have criticized the choice. USR has announced it will vote against the government, citing concerns over a potential parliamentary majority supported by AUR.

Parliamentary hearings for the proposed ministers are scheduled to begin this Monday, with a vote of confidence expected by the end of the week.