EditRomanian President acknowledges coalition tensions but rejects minority government scenario
The Prime Minister has ruled out resigning and warned that a political crisis is the last thing Romania needs amid external economic pressures
Romania’s broad pro-European governing coalition is showing fresh signs of strain, with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) threatening to reconsider its participation and a key decision on its future role looming on 20 April.
President Nicușor Dan addressed the growing friction on 30 March, acknowledging public clashes between coalition partners while insisting that administrative cooperation continues and dismissing a minority government as an unsuitable solution in the current climate.
The four-party coalition – comprising the centre-left PSD, the National Liberal Party (PNL) of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, the reformist Save Romania Union (USR), and the Hungarian minority party UDMR – has been in power since mid-2025 following Nicușor Dan’s election as president. It was formed to stabilise public finances, reduce Romania’s EU-high budget deficit, and push through reforms, but has faced repeated internal disputes over austerity measures, social spending, and responses to the fuel price crisis.
In comments to journalists, President Dan described the public attacks between parties as longstanding and almost routine. “Parties have been attacking each other publicly for a long time, so they have given us the opportunity to get used to this situation,” he said. At the same time, he noted that on practical governance issues – such as the recent handling of fuel excise duties – the coalition partners continue to cooperate.
Dan explicitly rejected the idea of a minority cabinet. “I don’t believe a minority government is a happy solution for the moments we are experiencing,” he stated, adding that since all parties in the current coalition claim they want to govern – albeit with their own conditions – they are likely to reach some form of understanding. He stressed that “responsibility and maturity” have been shown in meeting key financial objectives and urged caution to avoid jeopardising Romania’s economic path.
The president stopped short of explicitly endorsing Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan when asked if he still supported him in the role, instead referring to constitutional procedures: the president nominates, and parliament must grant confidence to the government.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks over the delayed 2026 budget. PSD pushed for additional welfare measures and one-off aid to pensioners, while Prime Minister Bolojan and other partners prioritised fiscal discipline. Although a compromise was eventually reached, PSD leaders have continued criticising what they call “wild austerity” and have scheduled an internal consultation on April 20 to decide whether the party remains in government.
Prime Minister Bolojan has ruled out resigning and warned that a political crisis is the last thing Romania needs amid external economic pressures, including the fallout from the Iran conflict.
President Dan’s measured tone reflects his broader approach since taking office: he has repeatedly described coalition quarrels as “inevitable and legitimate” in a multi-party government representing diverse voter bases, while stressing the need for dialogue to protect economic stability and investor confidence.
Whether the coalition holds together past the Orthodox Easter will depend largely on PSD’s 20 April decision. For now, President Dan’s intervention appears aimed at cooling temperatures and signalling that, despite the noise, the government is still functioning on key files.
With BGNES and Hotnews.ro
Caption: Romanian President Nicusor Dan speaks to the media during a press conference concluding a formal meeting of the members of the European Council in Brussels, Belgium, 20 March 2026. Leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, including Iran, continued support for Ukraine, European competitiveness, defence and migration amid rising geopolitical and economic tensions. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
Updated: April 1, 2026 - 06:26
