Romanian Parliament Rejects Adrian Vestea as Prime Minister Designate

Romania's parliament rejected prime minister-designate Adrian Vestea on Monday after he received 189 votes in favor and 23 against, with more than half of lawmakers abstaining. Vestea needed 233 votes across both houses to form a government. Some deputies left the chamber before the vote began.

Vestea, 52, a former mayor, regional government leader and national development minister from the National Liberal Party, had submitted his governing program and cabinet list on Sunday. His own party refused to endorse him. The Social Democratic Party backed the proposed cabinet but indicated it would not support a minority government.

Vestea had held talks with the far-right AUR party, which holds 90 seats, on Monday. AUR lawmakers also left before casting ballots. After the vote Vestea told reporters, "I have a clear conscience. " President Nicusor Dan, who nominated Vestea on June 14 after an earlier candidate failed, must now name another prime minister-designate.

A second rejection would open the path to snap elections, which are not scheduled until 2028. The political impasse follows the collapse of Ilie Bolojan's coalition government in early May. That government, formed in June 2025, had introduced austerity measures including tax increases to address one of the European Union's largest budget deficits and persistent inflation.