Romanian government falls to no confidence vote!
BUCHAREST, Romania - October 13, 2009 - Romania's government fell Tuesday in a no confidence vote in Parliament, with lawmakers saying it has failed to improve the economy after it went into Depression following three years of growth.
Lawmakers voted 254-176 to oust the centrist minority government of Prime Minister Emil Boc. It was the first time Parliament had dismissed a government since communism ended in 1989.
Boc said that his government “has lost a battle and not the war.” He said that lawmakers voted against him because of pension reforms, which would reduce lawmakers' and other high-end pensions.
Although the vote ostensibly was aimed at punishing Boc for his economic performance, it comes before November 22 presidential elections, which President Traian Basescu is favored to win for a second term.
Basescu is close to Boc, who heads the Democrat Liberal Party. Opposition lawmakers hope to dent his chances.
Boc's government can stay in office, with limited powers, pending the appointment of a new prime minister by Basescu. Once appointed, the prime minister has 10 days to form a Cabinet, which needs parliamentary approval.
Basescu thanked Boc “for the courage with which he pushed forward reforms” in his nine months in office, adding that the vote was politically motivated ahead of presidential elections.
Lawmakers voted 254-176 to oust the centrist minority government of Prime Minister Emil Boc. It was the first time Parliament had dismissed a government since communism ended in 1989.
Boc said that his government “has lost a battle and not the war.” He said that lawmakers voted against him because of pension reforms, which would reduce lawmakers' and other high-end pensions.
Although the vote ostensibly was aimed at punishing Boc for his economic performance, it comes before November 22 presidential elections, which President Traian Basescu is favored to win for a second term.
Basescu is close to Boc, who heads the Democrat Liberal Party. Opposition lawmakers hope to dent his chances.
Boc's government can stay in office, with limited powers, pending the appointment of a new prime minister by Basescu. Once appointed, the prime minister has 10 days to form a Cabinet, which needs parliamentary approval.
Basescu thanked Boc “for the courage with which he pushed forward reforms” in his nine months in office, adding that the vote was politically motivated ahead of presidential elections.
