EditRomania’s parliament ousts pro-EU minority government in no-confidence vote
As support for the PSD eroded toward the far-right AUR, the two parties joined forces to topple the government despite denying any long-term alliance
Romania’s parliament voted on Tuesday to remove Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s minority government after a no-confidence motion filed by the opposition Social Democrats (PSD) and the hard-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) passed with a large majority.
The motion, titled “STOP the Bolojan of destruction of the economy, of ruining the population and of fraudulent sale of the state’s assets”, received 281 votes in favour, well above the 233 needed, with only 4 against and 2 invalid, according to parliamentary sources reported by TVR and other Romanian media.
Bolojan, leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL), had been heading a minority administration since late April, after the PSD – parliament’s largest party – withdrew its ministers and support from the previous four-party pro-European coalition.
The PSD clashed repeatedly with Bolojan over austerity measures, public spending cuts, and his governing style, which the party described as dismissive toward coalition partners. As support for the PSD eroded toward the far-right AUR, the two parties joined forces to topple the government despite denying any long-term alliance.
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The motion was signed by around 251-254 lawmakers from PSD, AUR, PACE – Întâi România, and other smaller groups or independents.
Economic and financial risks
Political instability has already weighed on markets. The Romanian leu hit a record low against the euro on Tuesday, while borrowing costs have risen. Analysts warn that prolonged uncertainty could jeopardise access to billions of euros in EU funds, which are tied to reforms and face an August deadline.
Bolojan’s government had pursued fiscal consolidation and reforms aimed at improving Romania’s sovereign debt outlook and EU compliance.
What happens next?
The ousted government will continue in a caretaker capacity with limited powers for up to 45 days while President Nicușor Dan initiates consultations to nominate a new prime minister and form a parliamentary majority.
PSD leaders have signalled willingness to rejoin a pro-European coalition under a different premier, but PNL figures have so far ruled out renewing the partnership with the Social Democrats. AUR, currently leading opinion polls, remains isolated from potential pro-EU majorities.
No immediate new government formula has emerged, raising the prospect of weeks of negotiations or even early elections further down the line.
The vote marks the latest chapter in Romania’s recurrent political turbulence, with Bolojan becoming one of several post-1989 prime ministers dismissed via no-confidence motion.
Caption: Ultra-nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party leader George Simion (L) listens to Romania’s Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s (not pictured) speech before a no-confidence vote on his cabinet during a plenary session of the Parliament assembly in Bucharest, Romania, 05 May 2026. The no-confidence procedure against the Bolojan cabinet was initiated by the ultra-nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) and former ruling party Social Democratic Party (PSD), and will be voted on in a joint plenary session of the two chambers of the Romanian Parliament. EPA/Robert Ghement
Updated: May 5, 2026 - 13:34
