Romania PM-Elect Names Cabinet

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) -- Romania's prime minister-designate has named his Cabinet of mostly young professionals with management experience, after the former government collapsed following mass protests over a nightclub fire where at least 55 died.

Dacian Ciolos named his ministers on Sunday, who will need to be approved by Parliament, later this week. Seven of the 22 posts are held by women.

Romania's ambassador to Britain, Mihnea Motoc, was named defense minister, while Cristina Guseth, director of the Freedom House Foundation, was picked as justice minister.

Ciolos, a former EU agriculture commissioner, said "I want an efficient and professional team."

Former Prime Minister Victor Ponta and his Cabinet resigned on Nov. 4 after tens of thousands protested the nightclub fire. Protesters say the tragedy was due to lax fire regulations and corruption.

(KA)