Romanian diplomat and politician who, as premier of Romania (1934–37, 1939–40), was unable to stem the tide of fascism.

A Bucharest lawyer, Tătărescu served during 1922–26 as undersecretary of state in the Liberal government of Ionel Brătianu. Appointed minister of industry in November 1933, he was charged with the direction of the government after the assassination of Premier Ion Duca (Dec. 29, 1933).

As premier (January 1934–November 1937), Tătărescu remained a close collaborator of the king, Carol II, and his administration was conducted exclusively under a state of martial law. After the establishment of a royal dictatorship in February 1938, Tătărescu served as deputy premier (February–March 1938) and as premier (November 1939–June 1940). During 1940 he was Romanian ambassador to France. After World War II he was entrusted with the Foreign Office (1945–47) but, under mounting criticism by the communist-controlled press and a vote of no confidence by Parliament, was forced to resign (November 1947). He was imprisoned by the communist government in Sighet.