Romanian parliament votes no confidence in Bolojan government

Romania’s parliament has passed a vote of no confidence against the government of pro-European Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

A total of 281 lawmakers backed the motion, well above the 233 votes required for it to pass. Four voted against, while three ballots were declared invalid.

The vote was initiated by opposition forces, including the Social Democratic Party and far-right groups.

The political crisis began following the collapse of the ruling coalition. On 23 April, seven members of the Social Democratic Party withdrew from the government, with the party subsequently refusing to support the cabinet and calling on Bolojan to resign.

Under Romania’s constitution, the country’s president must now nominate a new prime minister. If parliament rejects two successive candidates, the president will have the authority to dissolve the legislature and call early elections.