Romanian PM postpones European Parliament elections[fr] 

The Romanian government, under Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu called on 12 March for European elections in his country to take place in the second half of 2007. European Parliament elections had been originally scheduled for 13 May. 

The ongoing internal rows between Tariceanu's Liberal Party and the Democrat Party that supports President Basescu justified the move, Tariceanu said.

"The election date will be set afterwards, through governmental decision, after consultations with the parliamentary parties," government spokesperson Camelia Spataru stated.

However, political parties are far from united on the question as to when to elect the Romanian MEPs. While the party backing the PM, the Liberals and opposition Social Democrats favour a later date, President Traian Basescu and the Democrat Party argue against a postponement.

"My call for a serious campaign for the European elections has been ignored – political parties seem more interested in political manoeuvring," Tariceanu said.

However, until now the justice minister has refused to sign the act for a postponement.

Analysts say the move is to buy time for the Liberals and Social Democrats, which are lagging behind in political polls.

European People’s Party President Wilfried Martens said: "Romania is a serious partner which assumes all its responsibilities as a member state of the EU. I can only encourage the Romanian political community to show courage and to fulfil the organisation of the European elections according to the planned calendar."

Romanian Democrats Vice-President Adrien Videanu said that a postponement would be "an unprecedented situation in Romania's history to delay a vote for which the preparations have already begun".

Romanian Liberal Party leader Crin Antonescu issued an ultimatum to the Democrats to accept the postponement or leave the government coalition, according to the International Herald Tribune.