Sawt Falasteen - Romania headed for fresh turmoil as largest party quits coalition

The Social Democratic Party (PSD), the biggest in parliament with around 130 seats of the total 465, joined a pro-EU governing coalition in June last year.

This ended months of political turmoil, marked by the annulment of presidential elections over allegations of Russian interference in December 2024.

"As of now, the prime minister no longer has the support of a parliamentary majority, which means he no longer has the democratic legitimacy to serve as head of the Romanian government," the party said.

Bolojan's government has taken a series of unpopular measures, such as tax increases, as it seeks to cut the biggest deficit in the European Union.

The moves have drawn the ire of the PSD, which sees its electoral base being eroded by the far right.

- Pro-EU track -

On Thursday, the PSD said it was open to being part of "a new pro-European government", and to support another prime minister, "whether a politician or a technocrat".

Bolojan has said several times that he refuses to resign and will continue to lead the government.

The 57-year-old has built a reputation as a reformer intent on curbing the waste of public money and attracting EU funds, but has been criticised for his "inflexibility".

The country's president, Nicusor Dan, who held consultations with the parties in the ruling coalition on Wednesday, urged for calm after the meetings, giving assurances that Romania would stay on a pro-EU track.

He said the country would remain on track in terms of public finances and access to European funds despite the rift in the coalition and ruled out any possibility of the far right coming to power.

Political scientist Sergiu Miscoiu told AFP that without a parliamentary majority Romania faced a political crisis, with "many of the necessary decisions no longer able to be made".

He said the political class was irresponsible.

"Precisely the strengths Romania had -- its stability and the fact that pro-European forces managed to regroup and defeat the populism and nationalism backed by Russia -- will be lost, sacrificed," Miscoiu said.

I.Saadi--SF-PST