Romania’s pro-European coalition government led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan collapsed on May 5, 2026, after parliament passed a no-confidence motion with 281 votes. The Social Democrats, previously part of the ruling alliance, joined opposition parties including the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians to force the outcome amid disputes over fiscal austerity measures aimed at reducing the country’s large budget deficit. Bolojan now serves in a limited interim capacity pending formation of a new cabinet. President Nicușor Dan has begun consultations with parliamentary groups to identify a successor, with constitutional rules limiting the caretaker period to 45 days before potential early elections. These developments create uncertainty around EU fund access, currency stability, and the timeline for a new government.