Vote of No Confidence Against Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan

Romania's parliament voted on Tuesday in favor of a no-confidence motion against pro-European Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, which was submitted by the Social Democratic Party and far-right forces, in a step that could lead to new political turmoil in the country bordering Ukraine.

The no-confidence motion received 281 votes in favor, surpassing the threshold of 233 votes required for its adoption in the 464-seat parliament, according to AFP.

Earlier, the private television station Digi 24 reported, citing sources, that Romanian lawmakers ousted the pro-European government of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in a no-confidence vote on Tuesday, endangering the country's sovereign debt ratings, its access to European Union funds, and the stability of its currency.

Bolojan has led a minority government since late April when the Social Democratic Party, the largest party in parliament, called for his resignation, then withdrew from the pro-European coalition of four parties and allied with the far-right opposition to submit a no-confidence motion.

Although early elections seem unlikely, financial markets are concerned that this turmoil could lead Bucharest to backtrack on its commitment to reduce the largest budget deficit in the European Union.

The Romanian leu fell to a record low against the euro ahead of Tuesday's vote.