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 earlier filled in as Prime Minister provisionally for 9 days between December 13 and 22, 1999, leading the Romanian Democratic Convention (CDR) government after Radu Vasile's (PNȚCD) resignation.