Romania’s pro-EU government ousted after no-confidence vote

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has been ousted from power following a no-confidence vote in parliament. The Social Democrats, previously part of Bolojan's coalition, defected to the far-right opposition to initiate the vote, citing disagreements over austerity measures. The motion passed with 281 votes, exceeding the required threshold. President Nicusor Dan is now tasked with forming a new government, with assurances that Romania will maintain its pro-European Union and NATO alignment. The political instability has raised concerns among financial markets, with Romania's currency, the leu, reaching a record low against the euro. Bolojan's government had been in power for ten months.

Romania's pro-European Union coalition government, led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, has been toppled by a no-confidence vote in parliament. The motion, submitted by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), passed with 281 votes in favour. The collapse occurred after the PSD withdrew from the coalition in April, citing clashes over austerity measures. Financial markets are concerned that this political instability could jeopardize Romania's commitment to reducing the EU's largest budget deficit, with the national currency, the leu, falling to a record low against the euro. The now-former government had been in power for ten months and had begun deficit reduction efforts.