Romania is facing renewed political uncertainty as liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan confronts a no-confidence motion in parliament that could remove him from office.
Lawmakers are set to vote on the motion on Tuesday, May 5th following weeks of rising tensions within the governing coalition. The Social Democrats (PSD), Romania’s largest political party, withdrew from the government last month and joined forces with right-wing parties to challenge Bolojan’s leadership.
The dispute escalated after the prime minister pushed forward austerity measures aimed at reducing Romania’s budget deficit—the highest in the European Union. These policies have proven unpopular and contributed to the collapse of the ruling alliance.
The motion, signed by 254 members of parliament, requires 233 votes to pass in the 465-seat legislature.
Speaking ahead of the vote, liberal President Nicușor Dan acknowledged the challenges ahead but stressed the country’s broader direction:
Political discussions will be difficult, but it is my responsibility as president—and that of the political parties—to steer Romania in the right direction.
Bolojan’s liberals had formed a coalition government last year with the PSD and two other liberal parties after elections that saw strong gains for right-wing forces.
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