ISTANBUL

Romania’s coalition government, led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, paving the way for the adoption of a controversial fiscal package to reduce the widening budget deficit.

The motion, filed by the far-right opposition, received 134 votes in favor, far short of the 233 needed to bring down the government, Radio Romania reported Monday.

Lawmakers from the governing parties were present for the debate but abstained from voting.

Bolojan’s administration had tied its political survival to the passage of the fiscal plan, invoking a confidence vote to fast-track the legislation.

With the motion now defeated, the measures are considered adopted and will be sent for promulgation, unless challenged at the Constitutional Court within two days.

The fiscal package includes an increase in value-added tax, higher excise duties and other levies set to take effect in August.

The government argues the measures are essential to avert a potential downgrade of Romania’s credit rating and to secure additional EU funds.

Addressing parliament ahead of the vote, Bolojan defended the package, saying it was necessary to stabilize public finances.

“Let’s not make a mockery of this country. Let us try to do what we say we will do and not make promises we can’t keep. Let’s truly respect the Romanian people,” he said.

Opposition lawmakers, including those from the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), SOS Romania, and the Young People’s Party, accused the government of imposing austerity on low-income citizens while maintaining privileges for officials.

“This is a government that cuts from mothers, from students, from pensioners,” AUR leader George Simion said.

“You have five deputy prime ministers, each with five secretaries and multiple government residences. And you ask Romanians to sacrifice?" he said.

The four-party pro-European coalition assumed power at the end of June, ending a months-long political stalemate. But tensions are already surfacing within the bloc.

While all governing parties backed the tax hikes, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the largest in the coalition, voiced criticism, warning of “absurd” elements in the package.

Romania currently holds the largest budget deficit in the EU, and officials have warned that failure to act could jeopardize economic stability and access to EU recovery funds.

The opposition has vowed to file additional no-confidence motions in the coming months.​​​​​​​