Ilie Bolojan faces deadlock over formation of Romanian government
Interim prime minister Ilie Bolojan warned that Romania risks a downgrade to junk‑rating if political instability persists, but assured that salaries and pensions will continue to be paid. He emphasised the need to keep EU‑funded reforms and the inflow of PNRR money to avoid fiscal setbacks.
Negotiations to form a new cabinet have stalled. The governing coalition of PNL, USR‑PLUS and UDMR cannot agree with PSD on a prime‑minister candidate. President Nicușor Dan has rejected proposals to appoint Siegfried Mureșan or other names, saying no proposal currently has a realistic chance of passing. PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu blamed Bolojan’s “orgoliu” for the blockage and offered to sign an agreement immediately if a PSD premier is appointed. Liberal deputy Siegfried Mureșan announced the replacement of MEP Rareș Bogdan with Daniel Buda as head of the Romanian PPE delegation. Meanwhile, Parliament passed a package of laws needed to meet PNRR milestones, aiming to avoid penalties of over €2.7 billion.
The impasse threatens the timely absorption of billions of euros from EU recovery funds and prolongs a period without a fully empowered government, heightening uncertainty over budgetary and reform implementation.