Politics as usual, Romania government falls after no-confidence vote

Romania’s minority government collapsed on Tuesday after losing a no-confidence vote in parliament, creating political uncertainty that could delay reforms aimed at reducing the European Union’s largest budget deficit.

Lawmakers in Bucharest voted to support the motion against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. The Social Democrats, who left the coalition last month due to unpopular fiscal cuts, filed the motion alongside the main far-right opposition party.

Bolojan’s government fell just 10 months after he assembled a four-way coalition designed to counter the far-right, which was narrowly defeated in elections held over the past two years.

President Nicusor Dan will now consult with political parties to explore options for forming a new governing majority in parliament. Bolojan’s cabinet will continue in an interim capacity with limited powers until a new government is formed.