Romanian lawmakers are debating a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan on Tuesday, following the collapse of the ruling coalition. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) abandoned the alliance over unpopular austerity measures and joined forces with far-right opposition parties to oust the prime minister.

The motion requires 233 votes to pass, and 254 lawmakers initially signed it. However, some signatories later indicated they would support Bolojan. If the vote succeeds, Bolojan would lose his position, likely triggering protracted coalition negotiations. The most probable outcome is the re-formation of the same four-party alliance with a new prime minister from a different party.

Romania, an EU member struggling with high debt, has long been unable to join the eurozone due to economic difficulties. In the last quarter of 2025, the public deficit reached 7.9% of GDP, far exceeding the EU's 3% limit. The severe cuts required to meet EU debt targets proved particularly unpopular with the PSD.

The PSD claims it has "no post-motion political agreement whatsoever" with the far right, only "a common goal" to dismiss the Bolojan government. Centrist and center-right pro-European parties have criticized the move, warning it risks normalizing previously ostracized, pro-Russian, and euroskeptic right-wing parties.

President Nicusor Dan on Monday assured reporters in Armenia that he would work to maintain stability and fiscal discipline regardless of the outcome. "I would like to tell markets that Romania is sticking to its commitments on the deficit," he said. The Romanian leu has weakened slightly against the euro in recent days amid the political uncertainty.

Source: www.dw.com