Basescu to remain Romanian President – S&Ds call for reasonable reactions

The Romanian Constitutional Court today ruled with 6 votes to 3 that the referendum on the impeachment of President Traian Basescu on 29 July was technically executed as required. As the minimum voter turnout of 50%+1 was not met, the impeachment procedure was invalidated. However a clear majority of those voting – 88.7% – came out in favour of the impeachment procedure.

Hannes Swoboda, President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, commented on the Court’s decision:

„The Romanian Constitutional Court today put an end to a debate that has hurt Romania. We respect the Court’s decision and urge all parties and players to do the same. The debate reached a level that was no longer acceptable and inappropriate comments about a ‚coup d’état‘ must now, finally, stop.

„The result of the referendum demonstrated a strong sentiment from a large part of the Romanian electorate. But we have always emphasised that the legal provisions cannot be changed afterwards. In this referendum, the key legal provision was not met for it to take effect. Everybody must respect this.“

He continued by emphasising the need to focus on the tasks ahead:

„All sides need to set differences aside and get back to work. The parliamentary elections in November will be the appropriate opportunity to send a clear and strong signal about the future Romanians want for their country.“