Romanian lawmakers back a minority government to end monthslong stalemate

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers sought Tuesday to end a monthslong political impasse by voting for a minority government led by an independent diplomat, who now faces the challenge of securing support in a fragmented Parliament while tackling a large budget deficit.

Prime Minister Luca Niculescu won 280 votes for his proposed Cabinet in the parliamentary vote, with 58 voting against.

“It is an important moment for Romania,” Niculescu told lawmakers after the vote. “We are coming out of six months of crisis, we are getting down to work immediately.”

“Starting this evening, we will organize the first government meeting. The priorities are known. Romania cannot wait any longer.”

The vote comes after a difficult period for Romania, a member of NATO and the European Union located along the eastern flank of both organizations.

Romania had one of the highest budget deficits in the European Union last year, and the previous prime minister, Ilie Bolojan, was ousted in a May vote of no confidence over his strict austerity measures, which included tax hikes, public-sector wage and pension freezes and cuts to state spending.

Niculescu secured a deal with several political parties to support his Cabinet for at least six months while a longer-term political deal is negotiated.

At the swearing-in ceremony at Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, President Nicusor Dan congratulated Niculescu for securing enough votes for parliamentary approval.

“This implies that he possesses certain skills which he will need to exercise, and exercise to the full, in the period ahead,” Dan said.

“The challenges will likely be greater than they have been so far, but I am confident that he will succeed in finding the right balance in his discussions, particularly with Parliament.”

Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant, told The Associated Press that “today’s vote is only a short break in the political battle in a fragmented parliament.”

“The optimism this Cabinet is trying to project is very difficult to achieve with a very tight budget and limited financial resources. This will put extra pressure on this Cabinet from society to either deliver or go full mode populist,” he said.

When the previous coalition came to power in 2025, Bolojan was sworn in with the aim of ending one of Romania’s worst political crises in its post-Communist history and reducing a massive budget deficit.

President Dan nominated 55-year-old Niculescu, a diplomat and former journalist, to be prime minister on Oct. 5, his fourth such nomination after three previous nominees failed to form a government.

Tuesday’s vote comes weeks after lawmakers rejected a Cabinet proposed by Dan’s third pick, Siegfried Muresan, which prolonged the crisis and raised the chance of early elections at a time of regional security concerns linked to Russia’s war in neighboring Ukraine.

Romania has also faced a long period of instability after the annulment of a presidential election in December 2024 due to allegations of Russian interference.

McGrath reported from Leamington Spa, England.

This story corrects the vote count in Parliament.

Ministers of the Luca Niculescu cabinet stand during a swearing in ceremony at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Romanian Prime Minister Luca Niculescu, left, prepares to hand his oath to Romanian President Nicusor Dan during a swearing in ceremony for the new government at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Members of parliament stand during the national anthem before a joint parliament session called to give a vote of confidence for Romanian Prime Minister designate Luca Niculescu and the new government team, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Romanian Prime Minister designate Luca Niculescu attends for a joint parliament session called to give a vote of confidence for the new government team, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Romanian Prime Minister designate Luca Niculescu addresses a joint parliament session called to give a vote of confidence for the new government team, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Romanian Prime Minister designate Luca Niculescu arrives for a joint parliament session called to give a vote of confidence for the new government team, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain followed up its four goals against Manchester City with another four against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Two big tests passed and PSG’s bid for a third straight title is off to a rampant start with three wins in a row and 14 goals scored overall.

The 4-2 victory at home to five-time champion Barcelona on Tuesday followed the 4-2 win at City last week.

Home and away, PSG is showing its attacking might, the depth of its squad and the self-belief of its players.

“I have the best players in the world, at least for me they are the best," PSG coach Luis Enrique said. "That's what I always tell them.”

Despite losing Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to injury, PSG found a way through as its relentless pressure led to two late goals against previously-unbeaten Barcelona in a blockbuster.

“We have the ability to overcome difficult situations,” Luis Enrique said. “It shows what type of team we are, with the capacity to adapt all the time. It’s easier for us to keep going because we can feel the energy of our fans."

A brilliant strike from Vitinha in the 81st minute and a close-range goal from Fabian Ruiz sealed victory for the two-time defending champion.

“We never feel like we're powerless, or that we're beaten in any way," said Désiré Doué, who scored PSG's opening goal. "We always know there’s an opportunity as long as the final whistle hasn’t gone.”

By the end, jubilant PSG fans taunted Barcelona’s players with chants of “Olé” every time they touched the ball.

Not even a latest mesmerizing solo goal from 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal was enough for Barca as the Catalan club's 11-game winning run came to an end at Parc des Princes.

Yamal equalized for free-scoring Barcelona for the second time, when his goal in the 79th minute made it 2-2.

The 19-year-old forward chested down a botched headed clearance from substitute Warren Zaire-Emery and ghosted past him down the right flank with ease before stabbing the ball inside the post. It was the Catalan club's 50th goal in 12 games this season, 10 of them for Spain sensation Yamal.

Two minutes later, PSG was back in front as inspirational midfielder Vitinha controlled the ball with his chest on the edge of the area and slammed a powerful shot past Joan García into the bottom corner.

Doué had scored with a fine effort late in the first half, while his corner was headed in by Lucas Hernandez in the 72nd.

Right back Havi Espart ran through unopposed and struck a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

When Barcelona was on top, PSG's forwards defended from the front in a team which has gained in maturity and leadership.

“We have to highlight the work of the entire team,” Doué said. "The way our defenders worked, the midfielders, the attackers, it was incredible. We all did the job today.”

The only sour notes were the injuries, with captain Marquinhos also coming off in the second half.

See AP’s full soccer coverage here

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, center, scores his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona in Paris, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, is challenged by PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona in Paris, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Teresa Suarez)

PSG's Fabian Ruiz scores their fourth goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona in Paris, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Teresa Suarez)

PSG's Desire Doue celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona in Paris, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)