Romanians Vote in Vital Parliamentary Election
Opinion polls suggest Prime Minister Victor Ponta's Social-Liberal Union (USL), which has been in power since May, is heading for a clear victory in the parliamentary election while right-wing President Traian Basescu’s Right Romania Alliance (ARD) is trailing far behind the USL.
A two-thirds majority in parliament would allow the USL to influence the country’s domestic and foreign policies and curb Basescu’s powers through constitution changes.
Ponta's government tried to impeach the president in July, accusing Basescu of exceeding his authority, undermining the rule of law and meddling in government affairs. Basescu survived the referendum on his impeachment after turnout fell below the 50 percent threshold needed to validate the vote.
Basescu has seen his popularity slump after he backed tough austerity measures demanded by Romania's international lenders.
Opinion polls suggest a win for the governing centre-left coalition led by Prime Minister Victor Ponta.
But the result could trigger renewed political instability as Romania negotiates a vital loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Mr Ponta and centre-right President Traian Basescu have been bitter enemies since Mr Ponta's government tried to impeach the president last July.Any prolonged political instability could unnerve markets and threaten a crucial IMF loan agreement.Romania's current loan agreement expires in early 2013.
USL has pledged to roll back Basescu’s belt-tightening policies that have led to drastic cuts in public wages and a plunge in living standards.
Media agencies
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