Romanian lawmakers dismissed the pro-EU government of Prime Minister Iliye Bolojan on May 5 after a vote of no confidence. This put Romania’s access to EU funds and the stability of the national currency at risk. This was reported by Reuters.
Bolojan had led the minority government since late April. Then the Social Democrats, the largest party in parliament, called for his resignation, and later left the four-party coalition and, together with the far-right opposition, initiated a vote of no confidence, writes Reuters.
According to official parliamentary data, the vote of no confidence was supported by 281 deputies. It needed 233 votes to pass.
Despite the fact that early elections are currently unlikely, financial markets are worried: political turmoil may indicate that Bucharest will back down from its commitments to reduce the largest budget deficit in the European Union. The Romanian leu fell to a record low against the euro ahead of the vote.
The Social Democrats, without whom it is impossible to form a pro-European majority, have repeatedly clashed with Bolozhan. The reason was his austerity measures, which hit their voters and client networks.
Romanian President Nicos Dan, who is nominating the candidate for prime minister, is expected to invite the parties to negotiations and try to restore the four-party pro-European coalition. This time it may be led by another representative of Bolozhan’s Liberal Party or a technocrat.
The Social Democrats have repeatedly stated that they are ready to return to the pro-European coalition if the prime minister is replaced.
“The Bolozhan Party has so far ruled out further cooperation with the Social Democrats, although some of its influential members are in favor of reconciliation,” the agency concluded.
