Romanian president to be re-instated

by   CIJ News iDesk V
2012-08-23   11:24
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The Romanian Constitutional Court has ruled that the referendum held on July 29th, regarding the impeachment of president Traian Băsescu, is invalid.

The court found that while the organization of referendum for the impeachment was valid, its failure to attract a quorum of voters (50 % + 1) disqualified it, said the court’s President, Augustin Zegrean.

Of the total number of 18,292,464 people registered on permanent election lists, 8,459,053 people (46,24 percent) voted, of which 7,403,836 (87,52 percent) people answered „YES” to the question „Do you agree with the impeachment of Romania's President?” It means that Traian Basescu will return to his office.

Crin Antonescu, who assumed the presidency after Basescu was suspended, said he will respect the ruling, though he believes it to be unfair.

It was Basescu’s second escape from impeachment. He first became president in 2004 and was re-elected in 2009. His second mandate ends in 2014.