Career diplomat Lazar Comanescu was suggested by Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu as future Foreign Minister, after the recent resignation of Adrian Cioroianu from the office. Lazar Comanescu was head of the Romanian mission to the European Union. Aged 59, Lazar Comanescu is also one of the favorites for president Traian Basescu. Lazar Comanescu has been with the Foreign Ministry since 1972 and has the reputation of an "iron hand", but he gained the respect of the Foreign Ministry employees for always promoting career diplomats instead of politically named personnel.