Romanian MPs To Vote On Impeaching President

The Romanian parliament is preparing to vote on a measure that would lead to the impeachment of President Traian Basescu, following allegations that he interfered with the Prime Minister and violated the rights of the citizens.

Subject to parliamentary approval, Basescu could be suspended and then face a national vote on his removal from office.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who is in conflict with Basescu, is the leader of the opposition Social Liberal Union (USL) party, which currently enjoys a majority in parliament.

The political stalemate in Romania comes at an especially inauspicious time given that the EU member is negotiating terms of an IMF loan to re-start its moribund economy.