Romanian opposition parties coordinate no-confidence vote against government

Romania’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians have begun technical preparations for a joint vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s government.

Lawmakers Marian Neacșu and Petrișor Peiu said the two parties will draft a single motion, expected to be submitted to parliament in May. They said the joint approach is intended to avoid splitting support between competing initiatives, Caliber.Az reports per Romanian media. 

Despite ideological differences, PSD and AUR have agreed to coordinate efforts to increase the likelihood of securing enough votes to bring down the government.

The move follows PSD’s decision on April 20 to withdraw from the ruling coalition and call on Bolojan to resign. Seven Social Democratic ministers subsequently stepped down.

A total of 233 votes is required in the Romanian parliament to pass a no-confidence motion. PSD and AUR together control around 220 seats, leaving them at least 13 votes short.

PSD has opposed several key government reforms, including proposed tax increases, cuts to the public sector, changes to social spending, and stricter budget controls.

By Sabina Mammadli