Romania’s parliament voted on May 5 to dismiss Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, as 281 MPs (49 more than needed) from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), and 64 MPs from smaller fringe parties backed a no-confidence motion, ending the reformist government formed in June 2025.

The vote followed PSD’s withdrawal from the ruling coalition two weeks earlier, a move that triggered the current political crisis. Bolojan’s cabinet had pursued measures targeting discretionary public spending and governance in state-owned enterprises, reforms that proved politically contentious.

President Nicușor Dan is expected to push for the formation of a new “pro-European” governing majority in the coming days. However, prospects for such a coalition appear limited. Reform-oriented parties, including the Save Romania Union (USR) and parts of the National Liberal Party (PNL), are likely to resist cooperation with PSD following its alignment with AUR in the vote.

The outcome strengthens AUR’s political position. The party initiated the no-confidence motion on an explicitly anti-European platform and capitalised on divisions within the former coalition. With PSD’s support, it succeeded in bringing down the government without presenting a clear governing alternative.

Post-vote scenarios remain uncertain. PSD has signalled openness to rebuilding a coalition with PNL as a junior partner, but internal resistance within the Liberals emerged immediately after the vote, with party representatives rejecting renewed cooperation. USR has also indicated it is unwilling to join a new governing arrangement at this stage, instead positioning itself for potential early parliamentary elections.

Neither PSD nor AUR has outlined a concrete plan for forming a stable majority. This raises the likelihood of prolonged negotiations or a transition towards early elections, despite constitutional hurdles.

Speaking before the vote, President Dan warned that uncertainty over the government’s direction and parliamentary majority could last “a week or two”. His ability to broker a viable coalition will now be tested against entrenched divisions and shifting political incentives in Parliament.