**Romania’s ongoing political deadlock keeps caretaker Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in office three-plus months after his May 5, 2026 no-confidence defeat.** The PSD withdrew from his coalition in April over austerity measures and state-company reforms, then joined AUR to pass the motion 281–4. Subsequent presidential nominees (Eugen Tomac and Adrian Veștea) failed to secure the 233-vote majority needed, leaving Bolojan with limited powers as the longest-serving interim premier in post-communist Romania. As of late August 2026, Bolojan has repeatedly stated he is not clinging to power but must continue until Parliament approves a successor capable of delivering a full mandate. He has highlighted the urgent need for a budget rectification and full governmental authority once lawmakers return from recess on September 1. Parties are discussing minority or rotating arrangements involving PSD, PNL, USR, and UDMR, yet no viable majority has emerged. A new government is required to unlock EU funds and address fiscal deadlines, keeping Bolojan’s tenure dependent on coalition negotiations that could extend or resolve quickly after the parliamentary session resumes.