Romanian referendum law changes reversed, suspended president Basescu's odds improve

Romania's government has reversed the amendment to the number of votes necessary to impeach suspended president Traian Basescu in the upcoming referendum. Government previously changed the law on referendums so that only 50 percent plus one of the turnout would be necessary. Yesterday ( July 17 ), the law was changed back to how it was: 50 percent plus one of all eligible voters needed to attend to validate the vote.

Commentators view the move as a concession to continued pressure from the EU and beyond on Romania's government to reverse recent decisions deemed unconstitutional and damaging to democracy and the rule of law. “I decided to sign the bill to amend the referendum law, as it was passed by the Parliament of Romania, as passed by the Constitutional Court,” said interim president Crin Antonescu (in picture) yesterday. Speaking from Cotroceni Palace yesterday evening, the interim president expressed "reservations" over the decision to restore the law on referendums. He said the move "ignores or violates" recommendations of the Venice Commission (an advisory body on constitutional matters). On July 4, the Venice Commission expressed deep concern over the actions of Antonescu and PM Victor Ponta's government. Traian Basescu now has a much better chance of surviving the vote to impeach him on July 29. He has said he is the victim of corrupt politics, called Victor Ponta and Social Liberal Union (USL) infantile and said their antics have “sacrificed Romania.” Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com photo source: presidency.ro