Romanian opposition parties move to bring down government

Romania’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) said Monday they will submit a joint motion of censure against the government led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, broadcaster Antena 3 CNN reported.

The decision was approved unanimously by PSD leadership, according to party officials, marking a sharp escalation in the country’s political crisis following the Social Democrats’ withdrawal from the ruling coalition.

PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu said the move represents a parliamentary initiative aimed at bringing down the current executive, while stressing that the party does not intend to enter a governing coalition with AUR if the motion succeeds.

"I brought it to the attention of colleagues, not only in the office, but also all the PSD branch presidents, the decision was whether or not to sign this motion, this parliamentary initiative. It is normal for us to have a political decision," Grindeanu told reporters.

Tensions have intensified between former coalition partners, with PSD distancing itself from the government and its ministers stepping down in recent days.

Prime Minister Bolojan criticized the move, accusing PSD of destabilizing the government without presenting an alternative governing plan.

He warned that any attempt to topple the executive should be accompanied by a clear majority and a proposed leadership structure.

Meanwhile, Kelemen Hunor, leader of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania, said a potential parliamentary majority formed to pass the motion could persist afterward, possibly paving the way for a new governing arrangement.

If passed, the motion would trigger the fall of the Bolojan government and open the door to negotiations to form a new cabinet.