A vote on the new government is due to take place on 3 April 2007. The new coalition is expected to include the prime minister's National Liberal Party and the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania. The Social Democrats are likely to support the minority government that will be formed, as they are reluctant to have early elections.
The government reshuffle saw prime minister dismissing eight of his cabinet members. Hearings for the new members have already begun. Justice Minister Monica Macovei, who is highly regarded in Brussels for her persistent judicial reforms and fight against corruption, will be replaced by former secretary of state and anti-fraud department head Tudor Chiuariu.
Freedom, Security and Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini had warned earlier, that if the reforms initiated by Macovei did not continue, the EU might invoke special safeguards against Romania. These could affect Romania's access to EU funds.
The Ministry of European Integration, formerly led by Democrat Anca Boagiu is to be headed by Bela Marko. Liberal MEP Adrian Cioroianu was nominated for the post of Foreign Minister.
Tariceanu had announced the coalition break up with the Democratic Party, which is close to President Traian Basescu on 1 April 2007, ending an alliance that had governed the country since 2004.
However, the rift between the prime minister and the president became increasingly apparent during important government decisions, such as the appointment of the Romanian commissioner in Brussels and in the row over the timing of European Parliament elections.
Euractiv.ro has contributed to this article.
