Romanian president faces impeachment poll[fr][de] 

The referendum date was set by the Romanian parliament on 24 April 2007. There needs to be at least 50% participation in order for the referendum to be valid. However, in the event that the turnout is not high enough, the Parliament has supported provisions allowing for a repeat referendum after 30 days.

President Basescu was suspended on 19 April 2007 against allegations of abuse of power and constitutional violations including "controlling through those close to him all state institutions, of interfering in the law and protecting the interests of the mafia in the Romanian economy". However, the Constitutional Court dismissed the charges citing lack of evidence.

Ongoing political infighting between himself and Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu has been a feature of Romanian politics over the last year and Romanian MPs overwhelmingly supported the suspension of Basescu by 322–108 in a Parliamentary vote on 19 April 2007.

Basescu had initially indicated that he would resign and run for a new term if suspended, but he has since argued that an impeachment referendum is the best way of solving the political crisis. "The best solution for Romania is for me to take part in the referendum," he said.

Observers believe that the popular Basescu, who is supported by 65% of the electorate according to a recent poll, is likely to win the upcoming referendum, forcing an extension of the crisis as he will have to work with a Parliament in opposition to him.

The dispute has raised concerns over Romania's ability to meet European requirements on judicial matters which could affect its capacity to absorb EU funds.

European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso called for the crisis to "be solved by the Romanian institutions in full respect of the democratic and constitutional principles as soon as possible", adding: "Romania knows it must go on with the reforms needed, namely the judicial reform and fight against corruption that were a commitment of Romania when it joined the European Union."

While the impeachment referendum on 20 May may not solve the crisis, new parliamentary elections later this year could provide some much-needed stability.