Why Did Romanian PM Marcel Ciolacu Resign?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Marcel Ciolacu resigns from his position as Prime Minister.
- The Social Democratic Party has withdrawn from the governing coalition.
- The interim cabinet will have 45 days to form a new government.
- Crin Antonescu failed to advance in the presidential elections.
- Ministers will remain in their roles temporarily.
Bucharest, May 6 (NationPress) Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has announced his resignation at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (PSD).
This announcement follows the PSD's decision to withdraw from the current governing coalition.
Ciolacu stated, "One of the two objectives of the governing coalition was not achieved, indicating that the coalition lacks legitimacy - at least in its present form," referring to the aftermath of the recent presidential election rerun held on Sunday.
Crin Antonescu, the coalition's presidential candidate, did not advance to the second round of the elections, which is set for May 18, as reported by Xinhua.
During the transition period, ministers from the Social Democratic Party will maintain their roles temporarily while talks continue with coalition partners, including the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), to establish interim governance arrangements, according to Ciolacu.
Interim President Ilie Bolojan officially acknowledged Ciolacu's resignation on Monday.
A statement from the Presidential Administration indicates that an interim Prime Minister will be appointed on Tuesday.
The interim cabinet may remain in place for a maximum of 45 days, during which time a new government must be established. The interim cabinet is only authorized to manage routine public affairs until the new government members are sworn in.
The outgoing coalition, formed in December 2024, included the Social Democratic Party, National Liberal Party, UDMR, and representatives of Romania's national minorities.