Removal of the Romanian Government by a Vote of No Confidence in 2026

On 5 May 2026 in Romania, the minority government led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan of the center-right National Liberal Party (PNL) was ousted following a vote of no confidence in the Romanian Parliament.

Ilie Bolojan - (Anadolu Ajansı)

The vote of no confidence was tabled by the center-left Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the far-right Alliance of Romanians (AUR) and passed with 281 votes in favor in a vote attended by 402 members of parliament.

Political Background

The government led by Ilie Bolojan took office in June 2025 after securing a vote of confidence in parliament. It was formed by a four-party coalition comprising PNL, PSD and two other pro-European parties. The coalition was established following political uncertainty triggered by the resignation of former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the annulment of the December 2024 presidential election amid allegations of Russian interference.

Collapse of the Coalition

On 20 April 2026, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) announced it was withdrawing its political support from Prime Minister Bolojan. On 23 April 2026, the seven PSD ministers serving in the cabinet submitted their resignations. After PSD’s departure from the coalition, the party joined forces with the far-right AUR to draft the no-confidence motion. As a result, the government became a minority administration supported solely by the National Liberal Party (PNL).

The primary reason cited by PSD for leaving the coalition was its dissatisfaction with “the harsh austerity measures implemented by Prime Minister Bolojan aimed at reducing Romania’s deficit, the largest in the European Union”. It was assessed that these policies had “negatively impacted PSD’s voter base and the party’s patronage networks”.

Content of the No-Confidence Motion

The motion was titled “Stop the ‘Bolojan Plan’ which harms the economy, impoverishes the people and seeks to fraudulently sell state assets”. It was submitted to parliament with the support of PSD, AUR and several other members.

Course of the Vote

The no-confidence motion was voted on 5 May 2026 in parliament. Of the 402 MPs present, 281 voted in favor, 4 voted against. The threshold of 233 votes required for adoption in the 464-seat parliament was exceeded.

MPs from Bolojan’s party, PNL, and its coalition partners USR and UDMR did not participate in the vote. According to local media reports, Bolojan left the parliamentary chamber during the vote.

Positions and Statements by the Parties

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, in a speech before the vote, described the no-confidence motion as follows: “This censure motion is a wrong, hypocritical and artificial initiative. No country facing numerous crises seeks to change its government; it seeks to strengthen it.” Bolojan also challenged MPs, asking: “Do you have a plan for how Romania will function from tomorrow?”

PSD President Sorin Grindeanu, after the vote, stated that Bolojan must resign and emphasized that “it is the duty of responsible parties to find a solution.” Grindeanu also expressed the desire for a new government to be formed as soon as possible.

AUR leader George Simion, in a social media statement following the vote, “said the people’s voice had been heard today” and called for “national consensus”. Simion also reiterated his demand for early elections during parliamentary debates.

President Nicuşor Dan assured the country prior to the vote that Romania would maintain its Western orientation regardless of the outcome. At a press conference on Monday, Dan said: “I want to assure Romanians that no matter what happens, Romania will continue its Western orientation. There may be a period of uncertainty lasting one or two weeks, but this should not alarm us, as our commitment to key goals remains unchanged.”

Resignation and Transition Process

Following the adoption of the no-confidence motion, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan continues to serve in a limited capacity as interim prime minister until a new government secures a vote of confidence in parliament. According to the Romanian Constitution, President Nicuşor Dan, who holds the authority to appoint the prime minister, is expected to initiate consultations with political parties to form a new government.

Ilie Bolojan is the seventh prime minister to be removed from office by a vote of no confidence since the 1989 Romanian Revolution.