Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has chosen Social Democrat MEP Victor Negrescu as his candidate for the country’s next European commissioner. Ciolacu expressed the desire for a portfolio focused on economic policies during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. Leaders of Italy and Czechia have also requested similar economic portfolios. Negrescu, a vice-president of the European Parliament, highlighted Romania’s developed economic sectors and the country’s pro-European stance as reasons for his candidacy.
Despite von der Leyen’s request for all member states to nominate female candidates, Romania did not do so. Negrescu defended his candidacy by emphasizing his youth and appeal to young citizens across Europe. Ciolacu is expected to make the official announcement on August 26 after a final debate with the other parties in the governing coalition.
Negrescu, who has been in the European Parliament for nearly a decade, previously served as Minister for European Affairs and helped prepare Romania’s presidency of the Council of the EU. Von der Leyen is set to receive the names of all candidates by the end of August and will ultimately decide on the distribution of portfolios. So far, most nominees have been male, and the president must consider various factors when assigning portfolios, including the characteristics of member states and the qualifications of the candidates.
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