BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — On Monday, Romanian lawmakers voted decisively in favor of a new pro-European coalition government, led by center-right Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, as the country seeks to overcome one of its most significant political crises since the fall of communism. The Romanian parliament approved the new administration with a significant majority, registering a decisive 301-9 vote in the 464-seat legislature.

This coalition consists of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL), the reformist Save Romania Union Party, and the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party, backed by national minority representatives. Under this arrangement, ministerial positions will be distributed among the coalition parties, which collectively hold a comfortable majority. Notably, the prime ministerial position is set to rotate in 2027 from Bolojan to a PSD premier as part of a power-sharing agreement.

Prior to the confidence vote, Bolojan, who is 56 years old, emphasized the significance of the moment for Romania's future. Among his primary goals, he outlined the need to reduce a considerable budget deficit and reform state institutions. He highlighted, "Despite the challenges we face... Romania deserves a realistic and fair country project," asserting the necessity for a more robust and secure economy that respects its citizens.

Romania currently grapples with one of the highest budget deficits within the 27-member European Union. This newly formed government faces the pressing challenge of implementing fiscal measures that Bolojan admits may be unpopular, particularly ahead of the general elections slated for 2028, as populist sentiments gain traction in Romania.

After the parliament's approval, a formal ceremony to swear in the new government will take place at Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, officiated by the Romanian president. Bolojan had previously served as acting president earlier this year, following President Nicusor Dan's decisive victory against a hard-right opponent in a rerun of the presidential elections, which were mandated after previous voting results were annulled by the courts, plunging Romania into a political impasse.

The previous coalition, which was established in December, collapsed after Marcel Ciolacu's resignation in May, following a failed presidential runoff bid. The current coalition is interpreted as a tactical alliance intended to marginalize right-wing nationalists, whose popularity surged during the politically chaotic election cycle marked by increasing anti-establishment sentiments.

Sorin Grindeanu, the leader of the PSD, affirmed his party's commitment to being a responsible and trustworthy partner within the new coalition, emphasizing its intention to serve the interests of Romania and its citizens. He expressed hope for a stable coalition over the next three and a half years, declaring an end to unproductive interim governments and a shift toward pragmatic solutions.

Conversely, George Simion, the leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, who was defeated by Dan in the presidential runoff, expressed skepticism about the coalition's longevity, predicting that it may not endure through the year.