George Herald | Romanian court to decide on president's impeachment

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Romanian court to decide on president's impeachment
11:40 (GMT+2), Tue, 21 August 2012

INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Romania's Constitutional Court will on Tuesday rule on the validity of a referendum on suspended President Traian Basescu's impeachment.

The referendum held on July 29 was initiated by Prime Minister Victor Ponta's leftist government, which alleged that Basescu was meddling in its affairs and overstepping his mandate.

Although 88 per cent of those who cast their ballots were in favour of the impeachment, the referendum was declared invalid after turnout fell short of the 50 per cent threshold required by law.

Ponta however challenged that, insisting that the voter registries were inaccurate and the turnout requirement was met.

Basescu's term was due to expire in 2014.

Ponta ascended to power in May when defectors from Basescu's camp tipped the balance of power to the political left.

Parliamentary polls are due in late 2012, with Ponta's coalition tipped to win. Support for Basescu's Liberals dropped sharply after they implemented austerity reforms.

Source : Sapa