Romania gets a new government

Romania’s parliament will hold a confidence vote on incoming Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu’s new government on Wednesday. After winning 45% in the country’s Dec. 11 election, the PSD is likely to form a coalition with a minor party, giving it a parliamentary majority that’s likely to make Wednesday’s vote a formality.

The party initially nominated Sevil Shhaideh for the top job, but a conviction for vote rigging in 2012 – as well as her husband’s reported ties to the Syrian regime – ruled her out of contention.

The leftist PSD has promised to increase social spending, cut sales taxes and increase the minimum wage. These pledges have raised concern among EU officials, who fear the new government may increase Romania’s budget deficit above the 3% limit allowable for member-states.

If Mr Grindeanu’s appointments are approved on Wednesday as expected, Romania’s new government is likely to propose a new budget sometime in January.