Romanian lawmakers have backed a new pro-European government that aims to end months of political turmoil in the EU and NATO member country, which borders war-torn Ukraine.

The country was plunged into political chaos when presidential elections were annulled in December over allegations of Russian interference and a massive social media campaign in favor of a far-right leader, AFP reported.

Centrist Nicusor Dăn, who won the repeat elections in May, appointed 56-year-old Ilie Bolojan, leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL), as prime minister on June 20 after weeks of negotiations that excluded far-right parties.

Today, parliament approved Bolojan's government with 301 votes in favor—more than the 233 votes needed—and only 9 votes against. The main far-right party, the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), boycotted the vote.

Earlier, Bolojan secured the support of three other pro-European parties despite policy differences.

In his speech before the vote, he promised that his government would carry out “fundamental reforms” and “reconstruction” to tackle Romania's dire financial situation and reconcile the divided country.

In December, far-right parties won an unprecedented one-third of the seats in parliament.

The European Union has expressed concern about the rise of Eurosceptic parties in NATO member Romania, which oppose sending military aid to Ukraine.

Bolojan warned that the new government may have to resort to “unpopular measures” to curb the deficit, including cutting public spending and raising taxes.

At the end of last year, the country's deficit stood at 9.3%, the highest in the EU. | BGNES