Athanasiu previously served as Prime Minister on an ad interim basis for 9 days between 13 December and 22 December 1999, heading the Romanian Democratic Convention (CDR) cabinet after the resignation of Radu Vasile (PNȚCD.
Athanasiu had a brief stint as interim Prime Minister from December 13 to 22, 1999, heading the Romanian Democratic Convention (CDR) government following Radu Vasile's departure from the PNȚCD party.