Romanian Government falls as PNL moves to opposition
The Romanian Parliament dismissed Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan on Tuesday, May 5, in a decisive no-confidence motion. The motion passed with 281 votes out of 288 cast, while PNL, USR, and UDMR lawmakers abstained.
Following the vote, the National Liberal Party (PNL) formally adopted a resolution to enter the opposition. The party leadership challenged the Social Democrats (PSD) to assume full governing responsibility after forming a new parliamentary majority with the AUR party.
"PNL confirms it will work as a force for modernization, building a Romania free of political patronage," stated the outgoing Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan. He emphasized that the party remains committed to the country's pro-European trajectory.
PNL officials accused the PSD of systematically boycotting the government program. Mircea Abrudean, President of the Romanian Senate, described the current political crisis as the direct result of partners abandoning their initial commitments.
Meanwhile, PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu expressed readiness to find a rapid solution for a new cabinet, stating that "all options remain open." However, the political landscape remains fragmented as AUR leader George Simion rejected any PSD-led government.
Simion stated that his party would only support a cabinet led by an AUR-designated Prime Minister, pushing instead for early elections. This proposal was promptly dismissed by President Nicușor Dan during evening press statements.
President Dan announced he will initiate informal consultations with political parties to form a new government. He explicitly ruled out the possibility of early elections, prioritizing national stability in the current political context.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
