Adrian Veștea named Romanian prime minister amid degree controversy and political intrigue

Political maneuvering and designation

Nicușor Dan, after the fall of the Bolojan government, initially designated Eugen Tomac as prime minister. But on Wednesday 10 June, according to Traian Băsescu, Dan had already spoken with Adrian Veștea. Tomac continued presenting his government on television on Saturday, unaware that Dan had changed his mind. On Sunday, Dan officially named Veștea. Băsescu told ȘtirileProTv.ro that "Eugen Tomac didn't know that the president had decided to change the candidate." Following the designation, Tomac resigned from the leadership of the People's Movement Party (PMP), which Băsescu founded.

Education background under scrutiny

Veștea's academic record quickly drew attention. He completed high school in 1992 and then waited four years before enrolling at the private University "George Barițiu" in Brașov, which was not yet accredited at that time. He studied from 1996 to 2000 and obtained his degree in accounting and management informatics by passing the license exam at the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, a public university. The University "George Barițiu" was accredited only in 2002, two years after Veștea graduated. In 2013, the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education rated it "lacking confidence," and it was formally dissolved in 2017. Veștea defended his credentials on Digi24, stating: "I graduated from a faculty in Brașov, I sat my license exam at the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies. Moreover, I have a master's degree, I am a certified expert accountant." He stressed that his diploma carries the name of ASE, which is recognized by the Ministry of Education. He also highlighted his work history: "I have been working since I was 18; I am 52, so I have a substantial work record. I am also among those of my generation who performed one year of military service."

Awkward TV moment

During a live interview at Digi24 on Monday, Veștea made an oral hygiene gesture that he had also displayed on Euronews the day before. The reflex drew amusement online, adding to the public chatter about his background. The moment followed several clumsy statements that had already fueled social media commentary.