After a no-confidence motion over his government was passed overwhelmingly, there is deepening a ongoing political crisis in Romania, as its Prime Minister Florin Citu of the governing National Liberal Party was ousted Tuesday
The motion censure was filed by the opposition Social Democrat Party (PSD) and supported by former coalition partner USR-Plus, and the far-right AUR party. The motion passed with 281 votes; only 234 were needed.
The fall of the government caps a political crisis that began a month ago when Citu fired justice minister Stelian Ion of USR-Plus for not signing off on a regional development program. USR-Plus called the move an “abusive revocation” and quit the three-party cabinet.
- Sao Tome and Principe strategic partner to Nigeria – Osinbajo
- ‘Pandora Papers’ expose leaders’ offshore millions
- Idris Deby: Chadians offer special prayers in Kano
During the debates in parliament Tuesday ahead of the vote, Citu lashed out at USR-Plus, saying he had tolerated “a team of incompetents.”
President Klaus Iohannis will now consult lawmakers on appointing a new prime minister, while Citu may remain at the government’s helm for 45 days. Citu could be reappointed if lawmakers fail twice to agree on a new premier.
Claudiu Tufis, an associate professor of political science at the University of Bucharest, told The Associated Press that he expects the outcome of Tuesday’s vote to be a Liberal cabinet with support from the Social Democrats. “In parliament, but not in the cabinet,” he said.
USR-Plus have expressed a wish to restore the coalition with a different prime minister. [MSN]
