The Romanian Parliament voted on Tuesday in favor of a motion of no confidence in the pro-European Union Prime Minister Ili Bulugan, presented by the Social Democratic Party and the far right, in a move that could lead to new political unrest in the country bordering Ukraine.

Published on: 05/05/2026 - 15:05

In a move that could lead to new political unrest in the country, the Romanian Parliament voted on Tuesday in favor of a motion of no confidence in pro-European Prime Minister Ili Bulugan. The Social Democratic Party, allied with the extreme right, had submitted a motion of no confidence.

The memorandum received 281 votes in favor, more than the 233 votes required for its adoption in the 464-seat parliament.

The result threatens to plunge the country once again into political turmoil, while many forces accused the Socialist Party of playing with fire by contributing to legitimizing the far right.

Political expert Costin Copianu told Agence France-Presse that by joining forces with him, the Social Democratic Party made the Romanian Unity Alliance a “major political player” whereas it had previously been an “outcast.”

Read also: Romania: A surprise victory for the pro-European candidate Nicosur Dan in the rerun of the presidential elections

"Taxes, war and poverty"

“This is the end of ten months during which the so-called pro-Europeans offered nothing but taxes, war and poverty,” George Simeon, head of the Romanian Unity Alliance, said in a post on the X platform.

For his part, Bologan (57 years old) denounced the no-confidence motion, describing it as based on “lies.”

"Ten months ago, I accepted this position and faced a difficult situation where I had to do everything right. Not what is popular, but what is necessary," he said, adding that the country's "serious problems" would not disappear with his departure from the position.

His arrival to power in June 2025, with the support of four pro-European parties, including the Social Democratic Party, brought an end to weeks of negotiations as well as a period of turbulent politics that began with the cancellation of the presidential elections scheduled for November 2024.

These elections were dominated by a little-known far-right candidate, sparking accusations of Russian interference in the country's election campaign, which has been at the forefront of NATO's efforts since the beginning of the war in neighboring Ukraine.

France 24/AFP

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