Romanian Parliament approves 2014 budget but president most likely to send it back for changes

The Romanian Parliament approved the 2014 budget in its Wednesday, December 4 meeting. There were 346 votes for it, 49 against, and 7 abstentions. However, it is likely that the parliament will have to cast its vote on the budget for a second time, as president Traian Basescu, who will get the recently voted law for promulgation, said he will send it back, asking for expenses cuts so as to avoid the increase in gasoline excises. Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta said the budget was voted and it was on its way to the president, but that he thinks the president would not read it. More about the PM – president dispute on the budget, the IMF memorandum and the gasoline excises, here. editor@romania-insider.com