Romania's Rulers Cry Out against Basescu Return
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A protester against Romanian President Traian Basescu is carried by the police shortly after the Constitutional Court pronounced its Tuesday decision returning Basescu to power. EPA/BGNES
Romanian PM Victor Ponta and interim President Crin Antonescu have denounced a decision by Romania's Constitutional Court which made the way for a re-instauration of Traian Basescu as President.
"The decision of the court is illegal, unjust and politically motivated," stated PM Victor Ponta, adding that it allegedly "contradicts democratic norms."
Interim President Crin Antonescu concurred in calling the decision "unjust," adding it ignored the vote of some 8.5 M Romanians who voted against Basescu.
In the July 29 referendum, more than 87% voted for impeachment - but only 46% of registered Romanian voters took part.
Their grievances notwithstanding, both Ponta and Antonescu committed to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court.
PM Ponta further vowed to continue the cabinet's policy against what he described as an "oppresive rule" on the part of Traian Basescu.
In the past months, Romania has fallen in a deep institutional crisis that has pitched against each other the cabinet and President, both arguing the other side is encroaching on its constitutional powers.
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This is all part of a democracy, you set out the rules and have a free vote that is within them. If the rules state that at least 50% of those illegible must vote and only 46% did so then the vote doesn't count. It doesn't matter how many people voted in favour (87% is claimed) it is stil an invalid vote. What those wanting the President to go should do is to point out to him that a sizeable section of the public are against him and he should tread with care. Then they start again with good grace to allow him to change and reflect what has happened, if he is foolish enough to continue his ways then try again but AFTER a genuine chance for him to change.
