Romania president impeached amid EU, US concern
Basescu’s opponents accused him of overstepping his authority by meddling with the prime minister’s office and trying to influence judicial affairs. The 60-year-old former ship captain also was accused of making racist remarks about Gypsies and disabled people.
Senate Speaker Crin Antonescu, who will serve as interim president now that Basescu has been effectively suspended from the role, said a popular referendum on Basescu’s fate will be held July 29.
Basescu was impeached in 2007 but survived a referendum. Still, his popularity has declined steeply, and he faces tougher odds this time.
One major reason is that the Ponta-led government changed the law
Article source: http://articles.boston.com/2012-07-06/news/32568224_1_president-traian-basescu-romania-president-bucharest