On December 23, 2024, Romania’s bicameral parliament voted confidence in a coalition government led by Marcel Ciolacu (PSD), formed by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL), and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ). The Hungarian community in Transylvania is represented in the government by Finance Minister Barna Tánczos and Development Minister Attila Cseke.

The second Ciolacu government was approved by 240 deputies and senators from the coalition parties and national minorities, excluding the Hungarian community. At least 233 votes were required for parliamentary approval. In the secret ballot, opposition lawmakers cast 143 votes against the cabinet.
The reappointed Prime Minister, who also led the previous PSD-PNL grand coalition, emphasized in his parliamentary speech the urgent need to establish a stable government in Romania to ensure economic stability and organize the presidential election. He promised to continue investments funded by recovery funds and the state budget and to improve tax collection efficiency. He pointed out that Romania cannot provide Western-level public services until everyone contributes to the state budget.
Reflecting on the election results, Ciolacu stated that Romanians want to live in peace, and his government will guarantee Romania’s peaceful development. He also highlighted his excellent relationship with Donald Trump, who won the U.S. presidential election, claiming that one of Trump’s key objectives is “to stop the war in Ukraine.” “Romania will fully support the United States in achieving this goal,” the Romanian Prime Minister affirmed in his inaugural speech.
In his parliamentary address, Hunor Kelemen pointed out that the government’s primary task is to restore trust in state institutions, which can only be achieved through honesty and transparent measures. The RMDSZ president also called for decisive action against xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

Following the parliamentary vote, the members of the new Romanian government took the oath of office before President Klaus Iohannis.
Source: MTI/HHRF