Parliamentary clash over Radu Oprea's defence minister nomination highlights expertise concerns

At a defence committee hearing, PNL deputy Alexandru Muraru publicly challenged the PSD-proposed defence minister Radu Oprea, arguing he is the sole minister in the region without a specialised background. Muraru asked Oprea to withdraw his candidacy, which had been put forward by designated prime minister Luca Niculescu. The session began with a sarcastic remark from a PSD lawmaker about Oprea attending alone, contrasting with USR minister Radu Miruță who brought multiple army experts.

Muraru also pressed Oprea for a three-month progress report on fifteen projects financed through the SAFE programme, noting no such update had been provided. Oprea defended his military experience, citing personal service and parachute jumps, while other MPs, including Ionuț Moșteanu and Kelemen Hunor, raised further questions about procurement readiness. The vote on Oprea’s appointment later resulted in 21 in favour and 17 against.