Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said he won’t resign as the largest party in the country’s ruling coalition meets to decide whether to withdraw its political support for him.
If the Social Democratic Party (PSD) withdraws its support, its ministers will be withdrawn from the government, a move to force the Liberal Party, to come up with an alternative prime minister.
The crisis began after the PSD accused the prime minister of measures that have hurt low-income households. However, PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu is under pressure by various interest groups which are opposed to reforms.
The Liberals and another party in the ruling coalition, the USR will also have meetings on Monday to respond to the decision made by the PSD. Both parties support Ilie Bolojan as the coalition’s prime minister.
Another junior partner, the UDMR, says it will not support the removal of the prime minister and Bolojan has vowed not to resign.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan says he will position himself as mediator and opposes a majority government formed of the PSD and nationalist AUR party.
Analysts says the most likely scenario is the appointment of interim ministers if PSD withdraws its ministers. The PSD could also bring a no confidence vote supported by AUR.
The Bolojan government could also function as a minority coalition with occasional support from the PSD, until the next spring election, when the PSD is scheduled to take over the position of prime minister.
PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu said his party was willing to take over the position of prime minister to keep the coalition.
