Government sets Romania's general election for December 9

Romania's government has set December 9 as the date for parliamentary elections, according to an announcement made yesterday (September 1 ). The announcement was made by Government spokesman, Andrei Zaharescu after Saturday's meeting of Romania's Executive council. According to the international media, the election should end the ongoing power struggle between PM Victor Ponta's Social Liberal Union (USL) and center right President Traian Basescu. However, Reuters suggests that if the USL fails to win a majority, Basescu will be in a strong position, as it will be his job to appoint a Prime Minister after the election. Zaharescu said the government chose the December 9 date to avoid the public holidays on November 30, St Andrew's Day and December 1, which is Romania's National Day. The government spokesman said that December 9 is a normal Sunday when people will "be at home." Romanians must vote in their own constituency and Zaharescu added that the chosen date will avoid the “mess” of people trying to vote during a holiday. Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com