Overview
- Lawmakers opened debate Tuesday ahead of an afternoon vote on a no-confidence motion that needs 233 votes to pass after 254 MPs signed it when filed.
- PSD quit the pro-EU coalition over austerity, objecting to tax hikes, public wage and pension freezes, job cuts, and spending curbs meant to shrink a deficit flagged by the EU.
- The political fight has rattled markets, with the leu sliding to a record near 5.19 per euro and Romania’s borrowing costs rising.
- President Nicusor Dan pledged to keep a pro-Western, fiscally disciplined course, while analysts expect hard coalition talks if Bolojan falls, possibly yielding the same parties under a new prime minister.
- PSD’s tactical tie-up with the far-right AUR to force the vote has drawn criticism from centrist allies and NGOs, though PSD says it made no deal beyond seeking the government’s dismissal.