Ilie Bolojan faces accusations of power‑grab as Romania’s political deadlock deepens

Romanian premier Ilie Bolojan is accused of engineering anticipatory elections to remain in office until the end of the year. Critics, including journalist Ion Cristoiu and PSD deputy Adrian Câciu, claim Bolojan is misleading President Nicușor Dan and obstructing formation of a new government. Various PNL figures, such as Nelu Popa and Alin Tișe, have publicly praised or condemned him, while Tișe highlighted the use of fake‑account bots promoting Bolojan online.

The political stalemate coincides with a worsening economic crisis. Data from the National Institute of Statistics show a record drop in the services sector’s turnover – up to a 10 % decline year‑on‑year – as inflation, energy prices and tax hikes push many Romanians into poverty. Analysts link the downturn to Bolojan’s fiscal measures and the prolonged parliamentary impasse.

Overall, the controversy intertwines allegations of constitutional manipulation, online disinformation, and severe socioeconomic strain, underscoring the breadth of Romania’s current governance challenges.