The pro-European Bolojan government has fallen in Romania

Brussels – The Romanian Parliament has passed a motion of no confidence in the pro-European Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. The motion of no confidence was passed today (5 March) with 281 votes in favour, exceeding the required threshold of 233.

A member of the National Liberal Party (Partidul Național Liberal, PNL), Bolojan took office in June 2025 with a coalition comprising his party, the right-wing conservatives of the Save Romania Union (Uniunea Salvați România, USR), the right-wing party of the Hungarian minority, Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (Uniunea Democrată Maghiară din România, UDMR), and the Social Democratic Party (Partidul Social Democrat, PSD). However, due to the austerity measures promoted by Bolojan last April, the Social Democrats left the coalition to form an alliance with the far-right party Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (Alianța pentru Unitatea Românilor, AUR).

The next parliamentary elections in Romania are not expected before 2028. Although early elections do not appear likely, the financial markets fear that this turmoil could hamper Bucharest’s efforts to reduce its budget deficit. The President of Romania, Nicusor Dan, who is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister, will have to invite the parties to negotiate and attempt to rebuild a coalition under the leadership of another member of Bolojan’s party, or by appointing a technocratic government.

“Romania needs a government that guarantees stability and tangible improvements in the lives of its citizens. This is not just about political agreements but also about protecting citizens from economic uncertainty, strengthening social justice, and restoring trust in democratic institutions. The Social Democrats are ready to support a path that puts people first,” commented the Secretary-General of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Giacomo Filibeck.