Romanian Premier Ousted by His Own Party in Confidence Vote
- Prime Minister Grindeanu had quarreled with party head Dragnea
- Talks to name replacement are likely to start next week
Romanian Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu (C) looks at Liviu Dragnea (L), the president of the ruling Social Democrat party (PSD), as he prepares to address the Romanian Parliament during a no-confidence vote in Bucharest on June 21.
Photographer: Daniel Mihailescu/AFP via Getty ImagesRomania’s governing coalition toppled its own prime minister after he clashed with the leader of the ruling party, paving the way for a new cabinet just six months after elections.
Premier Sorin Grindeanu, who rejected calls last week from his Social Democratic party to resign, lost a no-confidence motion 241-10 on Wednesday, according to parliamentary Speaker Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. The result reaffirms the coalition’s majority after the feud between Grindeanu and party head Liviu Dragnea prompted dissatisfaction among some lawmakers. President Klaus Iohannis can now hold talks with parties to name a replacement. He’ll meet party officials on Monday, according to his spokeswoman.