Romania’s President Traian Basescu survived the impeachment

People of Romania voted in a referendum on impeaching the President Traian Basescu on 28 July 2012. The President, however, survived the impeachment because of low voter turnout. According to Romanian law, the referendum required at least 50 percent voting of eligible voters, while the turnout was under 46 percent on the day of referendum.

The referendum came following Romania's center-left government, led by Prime Minister Victor Ponta, suspended Basescu as it accused him of making unnecessary interference in government affairs. Traian Basescu was removed from his post by the parliament on 10 July 2012, but as the referendum stands invalid now, he will be reinstated to the position.

Traian Basescu was elected president of the country in 2004. Previously he was suspended from office in 2007, though he reacquired the position a month later through a referendum. In 2009 he was re-elected the president for a second 5-year term.

Romania, the member of European Union, is located at the intersection of Central and Southeastern Europe. It is the ninth largest country of the European Union by area, and has the seventh largest populationrope. The country became the member of European Union on 1 January 2007.

Under the Romanian political system, Prime Minister of the country serves as the head of the government, while the President works as the head of the state. President is elected through the universal adult franchise system for a maximum of two five-year terms. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of the country after it holds consultations with the leaders of the party that enjoys the majority in the Parliament.