Presidents fights for political life as Romania votes

Romania’s unpopular president was fighting for his political life as Romanians voted on whether to oust him, part of a political battle that has raised questions about the rule of law in the fledgling EU member.

Traian Basescu’s rivals in the government are seeking to push him out for the second time in five years. They claim the 60-year-old violated the constitution by meddling in government business, coddling cronies, and using the secret services against enemies.

Basescu, a former ship captain whose popularity has plummeted over economic challenges, says he is the victim of a political vendetta and has urged his supporters to boycott the vote — a tactic that may help him survive thanks to a rule requiring turnout to be over half of the electorate.