Romanian President survives referendum
Romanian President Traian Basescu, suspended by parliament for alleged abuse of power, survived a referendum on his impeachment today with at least 75% of voters rejecting his dismissal, exit polls showed.
Voters were asked whether they wanted Basescu ousted from office. One exit poll, by Insomar/Metro Media, showed 75% of voters saying no. The other exit poll, by CURS, put the figure at 78.1%.
Basescu, a former ship's captain and Bucharest mayor, is popular and was expected to survive the vote easily, with polls showing more than 70% of Romanians opposed to impeachment.
More than 18 million Romanians are eligible to vote, including about two million citizens living abroad who can vote in embassies and other locations.
The political crisis started with an escalating conflict between Basescu and prime minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu, a former ally.
The two clashed on policy and attacked each other in the media. Last month, Tariceanu expelled several ministers from his Cabinet who were seen as being close to Basescu, including reformist justice minister Monica Macovei.
Basescu, who is known for his outspoken style, has also clashed with MPs, whom he accused of drafting laws for special interests.
Last month, five ruling and opposition parties joined efforts and voted in parliament to suspend Basescu, accusing him of violating the constitution, despite a court ruling that he did not abuse his powers.
Romanian law allows parliament to suspend the president, who has limited powers and cannot dissolve parliament or sack the prime minister.
The European Union, which Romania joined in January, has been watching nervously as the political disputes threaten to slow critical reforms such as fighting corruption and making the justice system more efficient.
Yesterday Romania's foreign minister Adrian Cioroianu warned that Europe's patience with Romania "has a limit" and that after the referendum politicians should stop fighting and "get back to work".
