Romania plunges back into political turmoil as Social Democrats move to topple PM
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Romania’s Social Democrats have voted to withdraw support for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, triggering a new political crisis in the coalition government with the National Liberal Party.
- Party leader Sorin Grindeanu accused Bolojan of pursuing austerity policies that have worsened the economy and increased living costs, while Bolojan rejected calls to resign and blamed the Social Democrats for destabilizing the country.
- The political turmoil follows a 2024 presidential election annulment amid foreign interference concerns and rising support for the right-wing opposition Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which is calling for early elections.
- The fragile coalition, formed in early 2025, faces internal conflicts over austerity measures and economic management, with Romania projecting the largest EU budget deficit in 2025 at around 9% of GDP.
- Bolojan is expected to face a parliamentary no-confidence motion next week, and the Social Democrats have threatened to withdraw six ministers from the cabinet, potentially deepening the government crisis.
