Political intrigue and a sense of cautious optimism have taken center stage in Romania as President Nicușor Dan addressed the nation’s evolving political and diplomatic landscape. On January 23, 2026, speaking from Brussels after an informal European Council meeting, Dan offered a candid assessment of Romania’s government, its international partnerships, and the challenges ahead. His remarks, widely reported by AGERPRES and other outlets, come at a pivotal moment for the country’s coalition government and its position on the international stage.
One of the most pressing issues Dan tackled was the appointment of new chiefs at Romania’s intelligence agencies, the SRI (Romanian Intelligence Service) and SIE (Foreign Intelligence Service). When asked about the timeline for these crucial appointments, Dan responded with measured optimism: “There are chances for the appointment of new chiefs at SRI and SIE to be made within the following weeks.” This statement, according to AGERPRES, signals movement on posts that have been the subject of speculation and political maneuvering for months.
Beyond the intelligence agencies, Dan indicated that a significant reshuffling of Romania’s ambassadors is on the horizon. “For a significant number of ambassadors, changes will occur in the summer of 2026,” he stated. He explained that some ambassadors have served four or five years and emphasized that professionalism would be a key criterion for selecting their replacements. This approach, he implied, is intended to ensure that Romania’s diplomatic corps remains effective and credible in a rapidly changing world.
Dan’s presence at the European Council meeting in Brussels underscored Romania’s ongoing commitment to its European partners. Yet, his remarks also reflected the domestic pressures facing his administration. He acknowledged the need to rebalance the distribution of funds between Bucharest City Hall and the city’s sectoral administrations—a longstanding issue that has fueled local political tensions. “There is a need to rebalance the distribution of funds between the Bucharest City Hall and sector city halls,” Dan said, highlighting a challenge that resonates with many residents of the capital.
Turning to the broader state of Romania’s government, Dan offered a frank assessment of the coalition’s current health. “The coalition government is in a slightly worse state than it was six to seven months ago,” he admitted, a sentiment echoed in coverage by AGERPRES and other Romanian news sources. However, he was quick to temper this admission with optimism: “I am optimistic that, with responsibility, it will continue.” This dual message—acknowledging difficulties while expressing hope for stability—has become a hallmark of Dan’s public communications.
Dan’s comments were not limited to domestic concerns. He took care to reaffirm Romania’s foreign policy orientation, stressing the importance of the pro-Western, pro-European, and pro-Atlantic direction mandated by the Romanian electorate at the end of 2024. “The mandate given by Romanians was to maintain a pro-Western, pro-European, pro-Atlantic direction for Romania,” Dan declared. He further underscored that all parties supporting this course bear a “clear responsibility” to honor the voters’ wishes. “I observe a common desire among coalition parties to continue governing,” he said, suggesting that despite tensions, the political will to maintain the current trajectory remains strong.
Recent months have seen shifting concerns among Romania’s investors and international partners. Dan drew a sharp contrast between the present and the situation seven to eight months ago, when financial and fiscal anxieties were at the forefront. “Seven or eight months ago, when I spoke with representatives of the financial sector, companies, and investment funds that lent to Romania, their fear was about the fiscal side, about the risk that Romania would enter an interest rate spiral from which it could not escape. At the moment, they no longer have this fear. Somehow, fiscally, Romania has stabilized,” Dan explained. This stabilization, he argued, has eased anxieties about the country’s economic prospects, even as new concerns about political stability have emerged.
Indeed, Dan acknowledged that political stability has become a “major concern” for investors and external partners. “There is their concern regarding stability. From this point of view, the coalition is in a slightly worse position than it was six to seven months ago,” he conceded. Nevertheless, he reiterated his belief that the coalition would endure, citing the “responsibility” of the parties involved. “I am optimistic that, with responsibility, it will continue,” Dan concluded, his words reflecting both hope and the weight of expectation.
On the subject of Romania’s relationship with neighboring Moldova, Dan was unequivocal. “Romania respects the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova and the opinion of its citizens,” he affirmed, addressing speculation about potential unification between the two countries. This stance, as reported by AGERPRES, aligns with Romania’s longstanding policy of supporting Moldova’s independence while fostering close ties.
International security also featured prominently in Dan’s remarks. He described the United States as “an essential strategic partner for Romania’s security,” emphasizing the enduring importance of transatlantic cooperation. This sentiment, shared by many Romanian leaders in recent years, underscores the country’s reliance on American support within the NATO alliance and its broader foreign policy calculations.
Interestingly, Dan revealed that he did not attend the 2026 Davos Forum, a decision he attributed to the need for better strategic preparation. “I understood from the vote of Romanians that they no longer want things done for show,” he explained, adding that “before such visits, strategies are needed so that they are successful, but these have not existed for 35 years.” This candid admission points to a broader critique of past Romanian administrations and a desire to shift toward more substantive, results-oriented diplomacy.
Dan’s statements come at a time when the government is also enacting administrative reforms. Premier Ilie Bolojan recently highlighted the benefits of a new reform package, stating that it “contributes to correcting imbalances and makes the administration more efficient and citizen-oriented.” These reforms, according to the government, are part of a broader effort to modernize Romania’s public sector and improve service delivery.
As Romania navigates these political, economic, and diplomatic crosscurrents, President Dan’s blend of realism and optimism has set the tone for the coming months. The fate of the coalition government, the selection of new intelligence chiefs and ambassadors, and the country’s foreign policy direction will all test the resilience and adaptability of Romania’s political class. For now, Dan’s message is clear: the nation faces challenges, but with responsibility and professionalism, it can continue on its chosen path.
With high-stakes appointments looming and questions swirling about the government’s durability, the coming weeks may prove decisive for Romania’s political future.