Pro-Europeans under pressure: Romania: Government formation failed

Romania's attempt to form a new pro-European government has failed for the second time, with the Parliament rejecting Adrian Vestea as the candidate for prime minister. This setback occurs seven weeks after the previous pro-European reform government was ousted. Vestea, a politician from the National Liberal Party (PNL), received only 189 votes, significantly short of the 233 votes required for an absolute majority in the 465-seat parliament. Only 212 parliamentarians participated in the vote.

President Nicusor Dan had proposed Vestea for the role, reportedly against the wishes of PNL leader Ilie Bolojan. Vestea garnered support primarily from the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD) and some splinter groups. Negotiations with the far-right AUR party for support ultimately failed, with the AUR faction leaving the plenary hall before the vote. Bolojan, who was previously ousted in a no-confidence vote on May 5, had prioritized fiscal consolidation during his year in office. His government was a coalition of PNL, PSD, the reformist USR, and the Hungarian minority party UDMR, but the PSD left the coalition in late April.

The political instability stems from the PSD's departure from the coalition and their subsequent no-confidence motion, supported by the AUR. Forming a pro-European majority without the PSD, currently the strongest faction, is proving difficult. The PNL, led by Bolojan, has stated it will not form a government with the PSD, creating a deadlock. President Dan now faces the task of proposing another candidate, as Romanian law allows for three investiture votes before early elections must be called. With nearly three years of the legislative term remaining, Dan is hesitant to call elections, especially with AUR leading in opinion polls.