Romania’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) has voted overwhelmingly to withdraw political support for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, raising the prospect of a government collapse, Agerpres reported on April 20. While the PSD aims to increase its influence over the executive, the attempts may end in complicated months-long political turmoil, possibly ending in early elections.

The decision was backed by 97.7% of around 5,000 regional delegates, effectively calling on Bolojan to resign. PSD leaders blamed the prime minister for what they described as the “economic and social collapse of the last 10 months” and cited a lack of dialogue within the ruling coalition and with social partners.

President Nicuşor Dan said before the vote that Romania was likely entering a period of political turmoil, while noting that the coalition parties still share a consensus on key issues, including the implementation of reforms under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the execution of the 2026 budget.

Bolojan, firmly supported by his National Liberal Party (PNL) and the reformist Save Romania Union (USR), has said he does not intend to resign. He described the PSD decision as “completely wrong and totally irresponsible towards Romania, not towards a person,” adding that he would continue to ensure the government fulfils its responsibilities.

The prime minister had previously indicated he may appoint interim ministers, who can serve for up to 45 days without parliamentary approval, if PSD withdraws its members from the cabinet. PSD has also raised the possibility of a no-confidence motion should Bolojan refuse to step down, while no firm decision in this respect was announced.

The Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR), the fourth coalition partner, called for stability. Party leader Kelemen Hunor said it was “completely unacceptable” for one party to dictate decisions to another.

PSD officials said their ministers are expected to resign within “two or three days”, followed by state secretaries, according to senior party figure Lia Olguţa Vasilescu. She added that consultations among parliamentary parties with the president are likely to follow to explore a new majority.

Under current rules, the government remains in office until it is dismissed by a parliamentary vote. The timing and outcome of any such motion remain uncertain.