Romania faces political deadlock, early election talks intensify

Interim prime‑minister Ilie Bolojan said that if political parties cannot agree on a governing coalition, Romania may have to consider early parliamentary elections, possibly as early as autumn this year. PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu echoed the possibility, stating that early elections cannot be ruled out and that the party is preparing for such a scenario. President Nicușor Dan attributed the current stalemate to the composition of a future government, noting that parties are unwilling to support a cabinet unless they are included.

The Constitutional Court scheduled a hearing on Bolojan’s request to resolve a constitutional clash with the Supreme Court over unpaid judges’ salaries, a dispute that could cost billions of lei. Meanwhile, the European Commission approved a renegotiation of Romania’s EU recovery plan (PNRR), but PSD has been accused of sabotaging the required reforms. The Ministry of Labour reported finalising a new public‑sector salary law, a reform pledged under the PNRR.

Analysts warn that an early election could benefit the far‑right AUR party, while the prolonged impasse continues to threaten economic stability and the implementation of EU‑funded projects.