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M. Continuo

Romania president nominates opposition leader as PM


    BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's President Traian Basescu nominated leftist opposition leader Victor Ponta as new prime minister on Friday, to form a government after parliament torpedoed a two-month old centre-right cabinet in a no-confidence vote.

    "Victor Ponta is the prime minister designate. He was the only proposition made by three political parties," Basescu told a news briefing. "I do hope the new government will be installed rapidly."

    Ponta must draft a governing programme, the cabinet lineup and ask parliament for backing within 10 days.

    (Reporting by Radu Marinas; Editing by Sam Cage)