Romania Justice Minister Named Interim PM

Romania's justice minister Catalin Predoiu has been named interim prime minister Monday following the resignation of Emil Boc's center-right government, the president's office said.

"President Traian Basescu has taken note of Prime Minister Emil Boc's resignation and named Catalin Predoiu as interim prime minister," it said.

Boc tendered the resignation of his unpopular government, saying he wanted to "defuse political and social tension".

The constitution requires that a member of the outgoing government be immediately appointed interim prime minister but Basescu is expected to announce his choice for a new premier in the coming hours.

"I have decided to tender the resignation of my government", Boc told a cabinet meeting that was broadcast live. His government has been the target of protests over drastic austerity measures.

Boc, 45, called on lawmakers to vote for a new government rapidly to secure Romania's stability in a difficult global economic environment.

The president is expected to meet the country's political parties later Monday to discuss the European Union budgetary pact and the domestic political situation.

Analysts say he may choose a technocrat to run the country until general elections scheduled in November.

The social liberal opposition has repeatedly called for early elections.

Boc's resignation comes a day after a joint mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the EU praised his government for reforms implemented over the past months.