Lascăr Catargiu

Prime Minister of Romania. A member of Romania's Conservative Party he served in the position four times. First, from May 11, 1866 to July 13, 1866; second, from March 11, 1871 to March 30, 1876; third, from March 29, 1889 to November 3,1889 and finally from December 29, 1891 to October 15, 1895. Prior to becoming prime minister, he served as prefect of police for the city of Iasi. He served on the three-member governing regency and, from May to July of 1866, headed his first cabinet. He helped to establish the Conservative Party. His administrations were marked by modest land and financial reforms and a generally creditable domestic record. He is best remembered for his significant role in national affairs through the country's early years of independence.