Parliament voted 281-4 to remove Bolojan after the Social Democrats left the coalition and joined the far-right opposition.
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Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan was removed from office Tuesday after parliament passed a no-confidence motion with 281 votes in favor and four against. The threshold for removal was 233 votes.
The motion was submitted last week by the left-wing Social Democratic Party (PSD), which withdrew from Bolojan's four-party coalition in late April, and the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians party (AUR). Members of Bolojan's centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL) and coalition partners Save Romania Union and the ethnic Hungarian UDMR party remained in parliament but did not vote.
The Social Democrats have repeatedly clashed with Bolojan over austerity measures aimed at reducing the budget deficit. According to reports, accusations against Bolojan included that his austerity measures have led to a sharp decrease in Romanians' living standards, and allegations that he intends to sell the country's strategic assets to foreign companies.
Bolojan's position had appeared at risk since the largest member of his coalition left the government last month. He was appointed prime minister in June 2025 by President Nicusor Dan after the president won a rerun of the presidential elections in May 2025. The rainbow coalition was formed last year amid the rising influence of the far-right opposition in parliament.
Romania is a debt-riddled European Union member that has long been unable to join the eurozone because of its economic difficulties. The country is also an EU and NATO member that borders Ukraine.
President Nicusor Dan is now expected to consult with leaders of parliamentary parties on the appointment of a new prime minister. Dan has stated that Romania will maintain its pro-Western orientation in any case. Elections are not due until 2028, and snap elections are considered unlikely, though financial markets have shown concern about potential turbulence resulting from the government collapse.
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