Romanian Government Survives No-Confidence Vote Amid Tax Hikes

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan's coalition government survived a no-confidence vote initiated by the far-right opposition, allowing it to proceed with an austerity package aimed at reducing the country's budget deficit, the largest in the European Union. Despite receiving only 134 votes in favor, the motion fell short of the required 233 votes, reflecting limited parliamentary support for the opposition's challenge. The government, formed just weeks ago, has fast-tracked tax hikes including increases in VAT and excise duties, measures deemed necessary to avoid credit rating downgrades and the freezing of EU funds. While all coalition parties endorsed the fiscal corrective package, the Social Democrats expressed reservations and called for reforms such as progressive taxation, which were not adopted. Opposition leader George Simion vowed to continue challenging the government's decisions through further motions, legal challenges, and public protests. The government aims to lower the budget deficit to about 8% of GDP by the end of the year despite ongoing protests and political tensions.