Romanian coalition splits amid claims of vote rigging

ROMANIA’S TWO biggest parties traded blame yesterday for the collapse of their coalition government, as unpopular cutbacks and a looming presidential election stoked simmering political tension.

The Social Democrats (PSD) withdrew their ministers from cabinet after the sacking of interior minister Dan Nica, who infuriated his Liberal Democrat coalition partners by accusing them of planning to rig the November presidential election in favour of incumbent Traian Basescu.

Mr Basescu gave formal approval for the dismissal of Mr Nica yesterday, prompting an angry response from the PSD and undermining prospects for tough austerity measures that are vital to stabilise the economy and secure aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“All PSD ministers, supporting Dan Nica, are announcing their resignation . . . This is the last time the Social Democratic Party plays second fiddle in a government,” said PSD leader Mircea Geoana.

“The president succeeded in triggering a political crisis.”

The Liberal Democrats, whose prime minister, Emil Boc, also lambasted Mr Nica for failing to cut crime, immediately accused the PSD of trying to score political points in the run-up to the November 22nd presidential election, in which Mr Geoana is expected to run.

“The Social Democratic Party is sacrificing the country for one person. It is sacrificing the country and it is sacrificing the interests of Romanians. Their only agenda is the presidential elections,” said Adriean Videanu, the Liberal Democrat who serves as economy minister.

“We’re aware this has turned into a political crisis on top of the economic one; now we hope to be able to deal with things to avoid a social one as well,” he added. “We will continue to govern the country.”

Mr Boc can now name temporary ministers for a maximum of 45 days or find replacements from other parties who would need parliamentary approval before taking their posts. Analysts say it would be hard for new ministers from the Liberal Democrats or smaller parties to secure the necessary support in a deeply divided parliament, and that temporary ministers would lack the authority to push through unpopular cutbacks.

The reforms have already caused protests and strikes, but they are essential if Romania is to meet fiscal targets set by the IMF as part of a €20 billion aid package to prop up the ailing economy.

More tough measures are required before a mid-December review by the IMF, which will decide whether the government receives the third tranche of the emergency loan.

“We’ll file a no-confidence vote against the minority government, and the Social Democrats will have to vote with us,” said Crin Antonescu, leader of the third-largest party, the National Liberals.

“If the vote passes, Basescu will have to accept a technocratic government with no political affiliation, which must immediately draw up a budget for next year to make sure we can pay public wages and pensions even after the IMF money is gone.”