BUCHAREST – Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced on April 21 he will steer a minority government after the Social Democrats (PSD) his coalition’s largest party withdrew support and demanded his resignation, plunging EU and NATO-member Romania into crisis just as €11 billion in Brussels funds hang in the balance.
PSD plans to pull ministers this week, stripping the four-party pro-European cabinet of its parliamentary majority following clashes over budget cuts. The leftists, holding 28% of seats, could return with a new premier, but Bolojan’s Liberal Party (PNL) ruled out rejoining, decrying their “unfavourable” politics. He will consult partners and appoint interim replacements for 45 days, pending fresh approval, though a PSD-hard-right no-confidence vote looms.
President Nicusor Dan called Wednesday consultations as borrowing costs, already regional highs, face pressure, with ratings agencies eyeing instability. Reforms must hit August deadlines to unlock recovery funds and €16.6 billion in EU defense deals, amid far-right gains that birthed the 10-month coalition. Bolojan prioritizes fiscal discipline over leftist overtures, betting minority governance preserves credibility despite 2028 polls.