New prime minister-designate Adrian Vestea said he is taking up this responsibility at a moment of political crisis, and thanked President Nicusor Dan for placing his confidence in him.

'I am assuming this responsibility at a moment of political crisis. I am well-versed in the workings of the Romanian state and I know, from the grassroots, what people expect, what problems they face, and what needs to be done. I come after a 30-year path in the National Liberal Party. I have served from simple local councilor to three terms as mayor, I have three terms as county council president behind me, and for a year and a half I had the chance to be a member of the government,' Vestea said on Sunday in a press statement at the Cotroceni Palace, standing alongside President Nicusor Dan and MEP Eugen Tomac, who resigned his mandate as prime minister-designate.

Vestea said he wants a political government and is open to talks with democratic, pro-Western parliamentary parties.

'I want a political government that will undertake real reforms and keep Romania on a pro-Western course. We are the sixth-largest country in Europe, and we must place major emphasis on development - which I will do from day one. I will also pursue a policy focused on Romania's urgent priorities, such as completing NRRP projects, joining the OECD, and rendering the SAFE Program operational, to strengthen our security,' he said.

Vestea expressed confidence that 'in the shortest time' he will be able to put together a team with 'solid support' in Parliament, and stressed that his objectives are the safety and well-being of Romanians.

'I set off on this journey having in mind all the mayors of this country I have worked with, and with all Romanians in mind, whom I wish to serve with loyalty and responsibility,' he said. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Irinela Visan; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)