Romanian Parliament Dismisses No-Confidence Motion Against PM Ciolacu
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Synopsis
The Romanian Parliament has dismissed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu's government, falling short of the required votes. The motion was initiated by opposition parties and linked the PM to significant fraud allegations. This comes amid rising political tensions and accusations of undermining democracy.
Key Takeaways
- Romanian Parliament rejects no-confidence motion.
- Motion failed to secure necessary votes.
- Government accused of corruption and fraud.
- Political tensions are escalating in Romania.
- Ciolacu's coalition government was sworn in December 2024.
Bucharest, Feb 28 (NationPress) The Romanian Parliament has dismissed a no-confidence motion aimed at Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu's government on Friday.
The motion, brought forward on Tuesday by opposition factions including the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), S.O.S. Romania, and the Party of Young People (POT), garnered 147 votes in favor and only one against, failing to meet the 233 votes required for passage.
Members of the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), National Liberal Party (PNL), Union Save Romania (USR), Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), and various minority groups refrained from participating in the vote.
According to Romania’s Constitution, those who backed the unsuccessful motion are barred from introducing another during the same parliamentary session unless the government takes responsibility as per Article 114.
The initiative contended that the government formed by former President Klaus Iohannis, who resigned in early February after a mere two months in office, lacks legitimacy and is characterized by abuses and failures, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Furthermore, the motion implicated Prime Minister Ciolacu and his administration in the Nordis scandal, alleging significant fraud affecting almost 1,000 Romanians.
Titled “Prime Minister NORDIS must go, Romanians are tired of humiliation,” the motion received support from independent MPs and one representative of ethnic minorities, as noted by AUR leader George Simion.
“We no longer desire corruption, nor do we wish for Iliescu's successors to remain in power,” Simion stated earlier this week, calling for broader backing from minority lawmakers.
This motion arose amid rising political tensions, with opposition leaders asserting that the government is undermining democracy.
Prime Minister Ciolacu's coalition government was inaugurated on December 23, 2024, after achieving a vote of confidence in parliament. It comprises 16 ministries and three deputy Prime Minister roles.
