Romanian parliament votes to suspend president

Supporters of Romanian President Traian Basescu shout slogans against the parliament and government as hundreds of people gather at Piata University Square to express their disapproval at the parliament's decision to suspend the president on Thursday. PHOTO: AFP

The Romanian parliament voted on Thursday to suspend President Traian Basescu in a first step to impeaching him, throwing the country into turmoil less than four months after it joined the EU.

Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu, who has been in a long-running feud with the president, said: "I ask Traian Basescu to honor his own decision to resign and cut all ties with the presidency."

The president has said he would resign if parliament voted to suspend him.

His resignation would force a new presidential election in which he could stand.

Basescu accused of 19 constitutional violations, including "controlling through those close to him all state institutions, of interfering in the law and protecting the interests of the mafia in the Romanian economy."

Opposition also blame him for the country's political crisis, especially through his criticism of Tariceanu and his threats to call legislative elections.

The 55-year-old, who remains a popular figure in Romania and could win back his post, struck a combative note in a rally with thousands of his supporters who had gathered in front of the university, saying: "We will see each other at the polls."

His supporters in turn shouted "Do not resign," and "We love you."

The embattled president said: "I assure you that after my return I will continue to speak openly and I will tell the truth about the government."

Basescu's collaborators have said he would announce his resignation after his suspension is been made official, which should occur within 48 hours of the vote.

The leader of the opposition Social Democrats spearheading the move against Basescu, Mircea Geoana, said: "[The vote was] a victory for Romanian democracy, even if it is a difficult moment."

Opposition led by the Social Democrats, say Basescu violated the constitution by acting in a partisan way.

Basescu's must be approved in a referendum, which must be held within 30 days of Thursday's vote.

A total of 322 members of Romania's 469-seat parliament voted for his suspension, while 108 voted against and 10 abstained. The motion needed the backing of 235 MPs to be adopted.

The three opposition parties that filed the motion against Basescu -- and which hold 228 parliamentary seats -- said they would vote for his impeachment.