Romania has faced a prolonged government formation crisis since a May 5, 2026, no-confidence vote ousted Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s pro-European coalition. The Social Democrats (PSD) and far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) combined to pass the motion with 281 votes. Under the constitution, President Nicușor Dan can dissolve parliament and call early elections only after two successive prime ministerial nominees fail to secure a confidence vote within 60 days. Dan’s first two nominees failed to form a government; on September 17 he designated Siegfried Mureșan, backed by PNL, USR, and UDMR, who must now secure 233 votes in parliament. Dan has consulted parties and signaled he may no longer rule out dissolution if talks collapse, though the decision remains discretionary and Romania has never held snap parliamentary elections. A caretaker cabinet with limited powers continues in the interim.