Romanian president talks with political parties over next PM

BUCHAREST, Romania – Romania's president has begun talks with political parties to decide on a candidate for prime minister, after the ruling party forced the resignation of their prime minister less than seven months after he took office.

President Klaus Iohannis met Wednesday with the Social Democrats and their junior partner, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats. They want Viorica Dancila, a European member of Parliament, to be the next premier.

If Parliament approves, Dancila would be Romania's first woman premier. She is an ally of Social Democrat chairman Liviu Dragnea, who can't be prime minister himself due to a conviction for vote-rigging.

Dancila supports laws being considered by Parliament that critics say will make it harder to prosecute high-level corruption.

Mihai Tudose resigned Monday as premier after the Social Democrats withdrew their support.