Romanian government collapses following parliamentary vote of no confidence

On May 5, 2026, the Romanian government led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan fell after a motion of no confidence was passed in parliament. Official reports indicate that 281 votes supported the motion, exceeding the required 233, while some sources specify 288 total votes cast. The minority government collapsed following the withdrawal of the Social Democrats (PSD) from the four-party pro-European coalition. The opposition, including the far-right, secured the motion after the PSD aligned with them. President Nicusor Dan announced he would begin informal talks to form a new pro-Western coalition. Prime Minister Bolojan will serve as interim leader with limited powers during the transition. Financial markets are expressing concern over the potential impact on Romania's high fiscal deficit, the largest in the European Union, and the stability of the national currency, the leu, which recently hit a record low. Analysts suggest the crisis stems from tensions over budgetary reforms and public administration changes.