Romanian government dismissed after no-confidence vote
Moldovan political analyst Valeriu Ostalep commented on the resignation of Romania’s government, arguing that early elections in Romania would effectively “finish PAS in Moldova.”
On May 5, the Romanian parliament dismissed the government of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. A total of 281 lawmakers voted in favor of the no-confidence motion, well above the required minimum of 233 votes. It was the highest number of votes ever recorded for such a motion in the history of the Romanian parliament.
The opposition coalition behind the vote included the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the right-wing Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR).
The initiators of the motion accused Bolojan’s cabinet of “destroying the economy, impoverishing the population, and fraudulently selling off state assets.”
Ostalep links events in Romania to Moldova
Valeriu Ostalep said the developments in Bucharest were directly connected to the situation in Moldova.
“With all due respect, too much effort has been invested in Romania for it to simply be handed back to Romanians. We are waiting for a new alliance and the militarization of Moldova. Against whom they are preparing to fight, you can already figure that out yourselves,” he said.
According to Ostalep, early elections in Romania “would finish PAS in Moldova.”
Bolojan rejects accusations against government
Speaking before the parliamentary vote, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan rejected the accusations and sharply criticized PSD lawmakers, reminding them that the Social Democrats themselves had been part of the government.
“If this initiative is justified, where were you until now? Were you not part of the government? And if not, I would be ashamed to sign such a document,” Bolojan said.
He also described the no-confidence vote as “false, cynical, and artificial.”
The prime minister argued that countries facing crises should consolidate power rather than replace governments.
Romanian president rules out snap elections
Romanian President Nicușor Dan, who interrupted a visit to Yerevan, issued an emergency statement following the vote.
“Parliament today dismissed the government. This is not a joyful moment for any democracy, but it is a democratic decision of parliament. I call for calm, Romania is a stable state, institutions are functioning,” Dan said.
The president ruled out early elections, stating that the country would have a “pro-European government within a reasonable timeframe.”
Meanwhile, AUR leader George Simion called for snap elections, saying that “the voice of the people” had been heard.
PSD representatives said they were ready to join a new coalition government on condition that the prime minister be replaced.
Until a new cabinet is formed, Bolojan will remain acting prime minister for up to 45 days while President Dan holds consultations with political parties.
For Moldova, Ostalep said the developments in Romania could create additional risks for the ruling PAS party.
