Adrian Vestea, Romania’s designated prime minister, failed to secure the required majority in a confidence vote in parliament. Of the 465 lawmakers, only 212 participated in the vote, with Vestea receiving just 189 votes. Support came only from the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD), while the far-right AUR faction left the plenary hall before the vote.
The political situation in Romania remains tense, as Vestea, like his predecessor, is considered pro-Western. President Nicușor Dan must now nominate a new candidate, who will have ten days to form a cabinet and face parliament again. Observers believe a minority government is the most likely solution to overcome the political deadlock and avoid snap elections.
The political crisis has deepened since the fall of the pro-European reform government seven weeks ago. The previous prime minister, Ilie Bolojan, was ousted in a no-confidence vote in May after the PSD left the coalition. If no new prime minister secures a majority within 60 days, the president could call early elections.
Source: www.zeit.de
