Vosganian gets to be commissioner, Frunzaverde Defence minister

Premier Calin Popescu-Tariceanu yesterday announced he had chosen liberal senator Varujan Vosganian (48, photo) as the European commissioner from Romania. The “price” of this nomination was the relinquishment of the Defence Ministry (with Teodor Atanasiu as minister) by the Liberals. The ministry is now headed by Democrat Sorin Frunzaverde, who is close to President Traian Basescu. ZIARUL FINANCIAR had announced the appointment of Vosganian last Friday, who, according to the rumour mill, stood the last chance in front of bigger names like Foreign Minister Mihai-Razvan Ungureanu and Integration Minister Anca Boagiu. He is known for being close to the Premier and having stood by Tariceanu in the dispute with the PNL (National Liberal Party) dissidents, Theodor Stolojan and Valeriu Stoica. The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso, is expected to announce the portfolio of the Romanian commissioner today. Vosganian is Armenian, and started his political career as a deputy of the Armenian minority in Romania. The Premier made the announcement yesterday at noon before the Government session, after having met with President Traian Basescu and PD (Democrat Party) leaders. The Premier announced the appointment of the commissioner after the PNL gave up the Defence Ministry. The suspended Defence Minister Teodor Atanasiu had actually announced his resignation from this position a little while before the commissioner was nominated.