April 19-24, 2026

The most important events of the past week.

Leyla Cheamil, 25.04.2026, 14:00

Government crisis in Romania

On Thursday, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the main party of the governing coalition in Bucharest, officially withdrew support for the Liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, through the resignations of the PSD ministers. The four parties — PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR — formed the government together ten months ago with the difficult task of stabilizing an economy burdened by a large budget deficit and rising inflation. Their chosen approach relied on a series of unpopular austerity measures, which PSD has been openly criticizing for several months. This week, the Social Democrats escalated their stance, directing strong accusations at the prime minister, including claims that his policies have harmed the economy and reduced citizens’ purchasing power. They also made their continued participation in the coalition conditional on his resignation. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, however, announced that he intends to remain in office to ensure governmental stability, emphasizing that all decisions taken so far were agreed upon collectively by the coalition partners, including PSD.

After the Social Democratic ministers submitted their resignations, the prime minister opted for an interim arrangement, which he said was necessary to prevent a blockage in the country’s administration. This solution does not require a parliamentary vote for the next 45 days, during which the government will continue to operate with full powers, just as before. Ilie Bolojan will personally take over the Ministry of Energy, while other key portfolios — including Labor, Justice, Health and Transport — will be managed by the remaining ministers from PNL, UDMR and USR.

Speaking from Cyprus, where he is attending an informal EU summit, the head of state noted that the tone of public statements surrounding the political crisis has eased somewhat. “Romania remains firmly on its European path. We have four pro Western parties committed to preserving this direction. For us, the OECD, SAFE and the NRRP are of major importance, and there is full consensus on these objectives. Our institutions are functioning, and in one form or another, Romania will continue along the course it has set,” Nicușor Dan emphasized. A week of intense negotiations is expected to follow, during which the government will continue to operate with full powers, though under the shadow of a potential motion of censure. The PSD’s only reaction after its ministers resigned came in a statement declaring the party’s readiness to take part in forming a new pro European government and to support a prime minister — whether political or technocratic — who is responsive to citizens’ concerns. Until a new cabinet is established, the Social Democrats also pledged to provide parliamentary backing for the adoption of the legislative measures needed to implement projects financed with European funds.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan attends the European Council meeting in Cyprus

Attending the informal European Council meeting held in Cyprus on Thursday and Friday, Romanian President Nicușor Dan emphasized that the country’s prosperity and security depend on a strong and prosperous European Union. He noted that one of Romania’s key priorities on the agenda is the future EU budget. “We want it to be an ambitious budget, a large budget,” Nicușor Dan said, arguing that funds aimed at boosting competitiveness should also be accessible to companies from less developed member states.
The head of state also underscored the importance of cohesion funds. “They are an essential element of our shared solidarity. At the same time, the Union must invest in competitiveness and security, in maintaining a strong Common Agricultural Policy, and in connectivity and innovation, with particular attention to our immediate neighborhood,” he pointed out.

Budget deficit, on the decrease

Romania’s overall deficit fell from 9.3% of GDP in 2024 to 7.9% last year, according to Eurostat data, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced. He stated that reducing the deficit is a necessary step toward stabilizing the country’s finances, not a goal in itself. The decline follows measures to cut spending, increase revenues and make greater use of European funds, the prime minister also said.
He emphasized that each percentage point reduced, means lower interest costs and more money available for investments and public services. For his part, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare noted that this development marks a stage of fiscal maturity and a recovery of economic credibility. However, he pointed out that Romania still has the highest deficit in the European Union, which makes it necessary to continue fiscal consolidation measures.

Romanian Industry Day in Brussels

For the first time, Romanian Industry Day was held on Monday at NATO headquarters in Brussels – an economic diplomacy event designed to promote Romania’s industrial capabilities and to help national companies gain access to structures within the North Atlantic Alliance. Twenty Romanian companies showcased technologies in the field of air defense, with a focus on drones and anti drone systems, as well as cybersecurity and communications programs, including those related to space.
Romania’s foreign minister, Oana Ţoiu, who attended the event, stated that Romania aims to capitalize on the Alliance’s increased spending to generate economic opportunities and jobs at home. She noted that a total of 1.4 trillion dollars is available to NATO allies.

The Helmet of Coțofenești and the Dacian bracelets return home to Romania

The Helmet of Coțofenești and the two Dacian gold bracelets recovered after last year’s theft at the Drents Museum in Assen, the Netherlands, arrived in Romania this week. A third bracelet has not yet been found. The treasure pieces were transported under maximum security to the National History Museum in Bucharest, where they will be on display until May 3. Romania’s Ministry of Culture announced last autumn that it had received €5.7 million in insurance compensation for the four cultural artifacts stolen from the Drents Museum. Now that three of the four items have been recovered, Romania will have to return part of that sum to the insurance company. In the months that followed the theft, several people were arrested (EE)