**Ilie Bolojan has served as Romania’s caretaker prime minister since his government lost a no-confidence vote on 5 May 2026.** The Social Democrats withdrew from the prior coalition in April, enabling the motion backed by the far-right AUR, after clashes over austerity measures aimed at narrowing the EU’s largest budget deficit. Bolojan remains in office with limited powers, unable to issue emergency ordinances or advance key PNRR milestones without parliamentary approval. As of early September 2026, negotiations for a new majority have stalled. PNL continues to back Siegfried Mureșan as its candidate while ruling out renewed cooperation with the Social Democrats; President Nicușor Dan has pursued consultations without success. Parliament’s return to full session this month creates a window for renewed attempts to install a government with full powers, which Bolojan has described as urgent for completing budget rectification and preserving EU funds. Persistent deadlock raises the possibility of prolonged caretaker rule or, eventually, snap elections. These dynamics center trader focus on whether coalition talks can break the impasse before year-end deadlines or institutional pressures force a change.