Romania’s pro-Europe government collapses unleashing fresh turmoil
Romania's pro-European government led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan collapsed after losing a no-confidence vote in parliament, backed by the Social Democrats and the far-right AUR. The fall comes amid public discontent over austerity measures and rising support for the far right, with the AUR now leading in polls. President Nicuşor Dan is expected to seek coalition negotiations to form a new government, aiming to maintain Romania's pro-Western trajectory.
- ▪The no-confidence motion against Ilie Bolojan's government passed with 281 votes in the 464-seat parliament.
- ▪The motion was supported by the Social Democrats (PSD) and the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), despite Bolojan's PNL and its USR allies abstaining.
- ▪Bolojan's austerity policies, including tax hikes and public spending cuts, contributed to political instability and declining public support.
- ▪President Nicuşor Dan is expected to initiate talks to rebuild the four-party coalition and avoid early elections.
- ▪Romania must implement further reforms by August to access approximately €10bn in EU recovery funds.
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Supporters of Ilie Bolojan’s government demonstrating in Bucharest ahead of the no-confidence vote. Photograph: Vadim Ghirdă/APView image in fullscreenSupporters of Ilie Bolojan’s government demonstrating in Bucharest ahead of the no-confidence vote. Photograph: Vadim Ghirdă/APRomaniaRomania’s pro-Europe government collapses unleashing fresh turmoilIlie Bolojan’s PNL loses confidence vote after less than a year amid austerity drive and far-right surgeJon Henley Europe correspondentTue 5 May 2026 12.01 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 12.18 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleRomania’s pro-European government has collapsed after losing a confidence vote, unleashing renewed political turmoil less than a year after the ruling coalition was sworn in and with the far right surging in the…
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