Prime Minister-designate Luca Niculescu says work is currently under way on the government programme, with key priorities including economic growth, protecting purchasing power and measures to revive the business environment.

'These days we are drafting the government programme and I am preparing for consultations with the parliamentary parties. There will be a lot of talk about majorities, negotiations and names. That is only natural. But beyond these issues, what I am looking for are solutions for political and economic balance in Romania. I start from the following question: what do people expect from a government? They want to know that their money is being spent properly and responsibly, that they can cope with prices and that the state is there when they need it. Especially now, as winter is approaching and bills do not wait for the political calendar. Key priorities include economic growth, protecting purchasing power and measures to revive the business environment. And we need to find answers to the issue of energy prices. Caring for people means a healthy economy, better collection of public revenue and attention to how it is spent. A state that respects its citizens starts by respecting their money,' Luca Niculescu wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister-designate believes that 'Romania does not need to start from scratch every time'.

'We need to keep what works and fix what does not. I will take into account what the parties tell me over the coming days. They have different priorities, and that is only natural. My role is to bring them together in a realistic programme. I will make the outcome of these discussions public,' Luca Niculescu said.

On Monday, at the end of consultations with representatives of the political parties and formations represented in Parliament, President Nicusor Dan announced the appointment of Luca Niculescu as candidate for the post of prime minister. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Andreea Rotaru; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)