Romanian socialists and far right topple government

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan was ousted by a no-confidence vote on Tuesday. He criticized the motion as "false, cynical and artificial," stating that countries in crisis should consolidate governments instead of changing them.

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) played a key role in the vote after withdrawing from Bolojan's coalition due to dissatisfaction with austerity measures. The far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians, led by George Simion, is gaining support and has called for snap elections.

Simion maintains a close alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump and has made multiple trips to Washington, including attending last year’s inauguration.

He has positioned himself as a leading figure in Europe’s rising right-wing sovereigntist movement. Simion regularly organizes “Make Europe Great Again” conferences and keeps strong ties with prominent right-wing leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and France’s Marine Le Pen.

If Simion’s party takes power, Romania would become a far more hostile and erratic partner for Brussels.

He rejects any attempt by the European Commission to impose its will on national public spending decisions.

Romania would opt out of funding Ukraine and would resist the bloc’s common migration policy.

“My hope is that we have a change in power … democracy is about alternating in power, so they have to do the democratic thing and let us govern … listen to the vote of the people,” he told POLITICO.

President Dan is expected to consult party leaders to form a new coalition government. Bolojan is the seventh prime minister removed via no-confidence since 1989.