Low referendum activity saves Romanian president from impeachment

Romanian President Traian Basescu has not been dismissed at the referendum, because only 44% of the population voted (at least 50% needed to vote to validate the result), ITAR-TASS reports.

256 MPs under the leadership of Prime Minister Victor Ponta and President of the Senate Crin Antonescu attempted a coup. Sociologists say that 86% of voters wanted the president’s resignation, 13% voted against it.

Acting President Crin Antonescu said that Basescu had urged a boycott of the referendum. Another reason for its failure is that it was organized during the vacation season. The Central Electoral Bureau is yet to present the election results.