Romanian impeachment vote law sealed

Romania’s interim president has signed into law a rule that requires a majority of registered voters to take part in a referendum for it to be valid ahead of an impeachment vote on the country’s suspended leader.

Following pressure from the European Union, Crin Antonescu enacted the legislation ahead of a July 29 impeachment referendum to decide the fate of suspended president Traian Basescu.

The president has been impeached by the Romanian parliament on the grounds he overstepped his authority by meddling in government business and the judicial system.

The 60-year-old former ship captain denies having committed “grave violations” of the constitution.

Mr Antonescu said he personally had doubts about the law, approved by the constitutional court last week, and added that he had come under pressure both in Romania and abroad to ensure a minimum turnout.