Romanian interior minister Cătălin Predoiu was appointed interim prime minister on Tuesday, following the resignation of Marcel Ciolacu after his party’s poor performance in the presidential election’s first round.

Mr Predoiu, from the centre-right National Liberal Party, takes office just two weeks before the May 18 presidential run-off between far-right frontrunner George Simion and conservative Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan.

He will serve with limited powers until a new government is approved by parliament.

The appointment was made by interim President Ilie Bolojan, who took office in February after Klaus Iohannis resigned.

Ciolacu’s exit also ended the PSD–PNL coalition, though PSD ministers would remain in office on an interim basis.

Ciolacu and the Social Democrats have declined to endorse a candidate in the run-off.

Meanwhile, the PNL, the opposition Save Romania Union, and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania back Dan, who had pledged to campaign independently of party alliances.

In Sunday’s first-round vote, Mr Simion led with 40.96 per cent, followed by Dan with 20.99 per cent.

Analysts say Mr Dan’s association with unpopular pro-European parties could hurt his already slim chances.

(dpa/NAN)