Shortest Romanian Government overthrown after vote of no confidence

Romania's Government was overthrown after 235 MPs voted for the motion of no confidence earlier today (April 27 ) in the Romanian Parliament. The motion needed 231 votes to pass. Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, who took office in February this year, will leave his seat, after one of the shortest Prime Minister mandates. Victor Ponta, the head of the Social Democratic Party and co-leader of the opposition USL said the USL will propose a new government next week.

Only 259 MPs were present in the Parliament today, out of the 460, and only 248 MPs of those present voted today. The voting session was heated in Romania's Parliament, as all Parliament groups kept convincing MPs to stay on their side. Ruling party Democratic Liberal Party PDL said the result of the vote was triggered by minorities, mwhich were governing allies, having opposed the Government.

Speeches were also heated from both the ruling parties and the opposition sides, and stress escalated as members of the governing PDL kept announcing their change of path, joining the opposition union. PDL MP Sorina Placinta's crying in the Parliament was among the highlights of the debate, which was live on TV. Placinta, who had decided to vote against the Government supported by PDL, was talking to PDL member and former Tourism Minister Elena Udrea when she burst into tears. According to the opposition, Placinta was threatened against jumping ship. Prior to the vote, the opposition union Social Liberal Union was counting on 227 votes, and needed only four to overthrow the government led by Mihai Razvan Ungureanu. The International Monetary Fund and the European Commission representatives are currently in Romania, evaluating the country's current financial agreement. - to be updated- editor@romania-insider.com