Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has publicly announced the list of new ministers, the day the country's new Parliament met for the first time today (December 19 ).

The new government will have 24 ministers and three Vice-Prime Ministers. Six ministerial delegates are also included in the new government. In total, Romania will have 28 members in the government, including the Prime Minister. Most of those on the list held ministry seats in the past, and only a couple are new names, who did not serve as ministers in the past.

The increase in Government seats was justified by the need to have one person responsible for fewer things, the PM explained, rather than one minister taking care of a handful of important issues.

Parliament should approve the new government by vote before the end of this week, and if the new executive gets the green light, the new ministers will take their oaths on Friday.

Check the full list below:

Vice-PMs

Gabriel Oprea - no portfolio

Liviu Dragnea - portfolio Administration and Regional Development

Daniel Chitoiu - Finance Minister

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the UNPR

Defense - Mircea Dusa

External Affairs - Titus Corlatean

Energy - Constantin Nita (new name)

Communications - Dan Nica

Administration and Regional Development - Liviu Dragnea

European Funds - Eugen Teodorovici

Education - Remus Pricopie (new name)

Environment - Rovana Plumb

Infrastructure - Dan Sova

Youth and Sports -  Nicolae Bănicioiu (new name)

The National Liberal Party and the Conservative Party

Finance - Daniel Chiţoiu

Health - Eugen Nicolăescu

Culture -  Daniel Barbu

Agriculture - Daniel Constantin

Transports - Relu Fenechiu (new name)

Domestic Affairs - Radu Stroe

Labor - Mariana Campeanu

Forestry and water - Lucia Varga (new name)

Small and medium enterprises, tourism and business environment - Maria Grapini (new name)

Justice - Mona Pivniceru

Industry and Trade - Varujan Vosganian

Delegate ministers

Delegate for Budget - Liviu Voinea

Parliament liaison - Mihai Voicu

Social dialogue - Doina Pana

Romanians abroad and the Republic of Moldova liaison - Cristian David

editor@romania-insider.com