Romania’s Parliament Supports Pro-EU Coalition

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    BUCHAREST, Romania — In a significant political development, Romania’s parliament has decisively cast their votes in favor of establishing a new pro-European coalition government spearheaded by a center-right leader. This move is pivotal for the European Union and NATO-affiliated nation, which is eager to overcome one of the most severe political crises it has faced since the fall of communism.

    The parliamentary vote saw 301 members endorsing the new administration, out of a total of 464-seat legislature. This decision came shortly after Romania’s recently elected President, Nicusor Dan, appointed Ilie Bolojan from the center-right National Liberal Party (PNL) to head the government. Notably, certain members from nationalist opposition factions did not participate in the voting process.

    This newly formed coalition includes parties such as the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL), the reformist Save Romania Union, and the ethnic Hungarian minority party, UDMR. These groups, along with minor national minority parties, will collectively control a substantial majority. According to the power-sharing arrangement, the prime minister’s role will shift in 2027 from Bolojan to a candidate from the PSD.

    Prior to the vote of confidence, Bolojan, aged 56, described it as a crucial turning point for Romania’s prospects. His main agendas include reducing the alarming budget deficit and restructuring state institutions. He stated, “Despite the challenges we face … Romania deserves a realistic and fair country project. Romania must be stronger and more secure, with an economy that can and must grow … with reformed institutions and respect for citizens.”

    The new administration faces daunting fiscal challenges, given that Romania possesses one of the EU’s highest budget deficits. Bolojan himself has admitted that implementing necessary fiscal reforms might be unpopular, a risk given the country’s shifting political landscape as populist sentiments gain ground approaching the 2028 general elections.

    Following the parliamentary endorsement, the Romanian President oversaw the swearing-in ceremony for the new government at the Cotroceni Palace located in the capital, Bucharest. President Dan remarked, “Today we begin a new chapter. We must rebuild citizens’ trust in the authorities of the Romanian state. It will be a long road, but I’m optimistic that we’ll succeed.”

    Bolojan had previously served as acting president earlier in the year until Dan defeated a far-right contender in a highly-contested presidential election rerun. This election was called after a top court nullified the results of the original election, plunging Romania into significant political turmoil and revealing profound societal divides.

    The previous coalition, which took office last December, disbanded following the resignation of Marcel Ciolacu in May. This unraveling occurred after their joint candidate failed to advance to the presidential runoff. The newly established broad coalition is generally seen as a strategic effort to sideline the influence of right-wing nationalists, especially as anti-establishment opinions surged during the election period.

    Sorin Grindeanu, leader of the PSD, emphasized his party’s dedication to being a dependable and sincere collaborator in the coalition, which he claims is “for the good of this country and for the good of Romanians.” “I wish (the coalition) to be strong for the next three and a half years,” Grindeanu added. “We are thus leaving the era of unprofitable interims and entering a period of rational and realistic solutions.”

    Meanwhile, George Simion, leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, who lost the presidential runoff to Dan, expressed skepticism about the longevity of the coalition, predicting it may struggle to survive even a year.