Head of Romania’s Research Authority Agrees To Take Over Education Ministry

"I met with the prime minister, I was proposed for the position of education minister, and I accepted,” Anton said.

Tariceanu sacked education minister Cristian Adomnitei Tuesday amid a public sector wage scandal after lawmakers passed a law increasing teachers’ wages by 50%. The minister also voted in favor of the law.

Anton previously told “Gandul” daily that being minister during the two – three months left until general elections is political suicide, but said he accepted the proposal because he is not a politician.

As to the appointment moment, he told the quoted daily that it will happen “anyhow, as soon as possible”.

Transport minister Ludovic Orban on Monday asked indirectly for the resignation of education minister Cristian Adomnitei, saying that he had better resigned due the current situation, liberal sources told MEDIAFAX.

According to the liberal sources, Adomnitei told his peers he wants to continue as education minister, and is able to solve the problem created by the positive vote of the Chamber of Deputies on the 50% hike for education staff.

Tariceanu, who is also the head of the Liberal Party, said replacing the education minister would be a waste of time.

"Let’s let him continue his activity. It is not the time to appoint somebody else, when he is negotiating with unionis. We would waste too much time and efficiency if we bring someone else instead,” Tariceanu said.

Liberal sources said Tariceanu had criticized Adomnitei at the beginning of the standing office meeting, for not being aware of the parliament discussions on the law on teachers’ wages.