Romania appoints an interim prime minister after the coalition’s defeat in the presidential race

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania’s interim president appointed a new prime minister on Tuesday, a day after Marcel Ciolacu stepped down following the failure of his coalition’s candidate to make the runoff in a rerun of the presidential election.

Ilie Bolojan signed a decree to appoint the serving interior minister, Catalin Predoiu of the National Liberal Party, to take the helm of the government until a new one can be formed. The interim post can be held for a maximum of 45 days, during which they have limited executive powers.