The Romanian government, led by Prime Minister Viorica Dancilla, has fallen after a no-confidence vote. The vote, which took place on the 10th of October, was spearheaded by the opposition Liberal Party (PNL).
238 lawmakers voted to oust the government, a slim majority of five in the 465 seat legislature, according to official data reported by Euronews.
Long Time Coming?
Since winning the parliamentary elections in 2016, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) has been the subject of criticism and scandal. Its former leader, Liviu Dragnea, under whose leadership the party came to power, was barred from becoming Prime Minister due to an electoral fraud conviction. He was later convicted and sentenced to jailin May 2019 on corruption charges.
The party’s internal conflicts have had a bearing on the longevity of its governments, having had four prime ministers in the past three years. Prime Minister Dancilla came into power in 2018 and has faced four confidence votes.
The split with its coalition partner, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) in August, ensured that it lost its parliamentary majority – a move which left the government weakened.
What Now?
As is customary, the president is expected to hold talks with all parliamentary groups and then nominate a prime minister. Observers say President Klaus Iohannis is likely to appoint PNL leader, Ludovic Orban, as he has hinted that his party would form the government. He reportedlysaid, “It’s pretty clear that we are heading towards a PNL government or one formed around PNL.”
Although parliamentary elections are not due until 2020, a snap parliamentary election is still possible. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, President Iohannis has announced that he favours early parliamentary elections. He is expected to announce a decision by next week.
Despite the fall of the government, Dancilla (who became PSD leader in June) says she will stay on as leader of the party. As PSD’s presidential candidate, she will face off with President Iohannis and other contenders for the first round of the presidential elections on the 10th of November.
