An overwhelming majority of 322 out of 465 Romanian MPs backed the socialist opposition party's (PSD) call for suspending Basescu, with only 108 voting against at a parliament vote on 19 April 2007.
The parliament is accusing Basescu of abusing his powers and constitutional breach. But the constitutional court in early April found that Basescu had not seriously breached the constitution in a way that would justify his dismissal.
Under Romanian law, the parliament may suspend the president for 30 days and organise a national referendum to put him out of office if he refuses to resign. The government must then organise presidential elections within three months after the president's departure.
Basescu told supporters gathered in Bucharest centre that he was still president until Monday (23 April), when the parliament's decision takes effect.
Basescu earlier said that he would "immediately resign" if parliament voted for his impeachment and that he would run again in upcoming elections. Polls indicate that the popular Romanian president is likely to win. He is widely credited for his fight against corruption and success in bringing Romania into the EU.
But the political turmoil has also cast doubt on the country's capactity to continue key administrative and judicial reforms required by EU accession on 1 January this year. The reforms, aimed mainly at fighting corruption, are due to facilitate the absorption of billions of euro.
EU money can be suspended under 'safeguard clauses' attached to Romania's accession treaty, which can be applied in cases of serious shortcomings or delays in the fulfilment of commitments before or after accession.
A team of Commission experts will be sent to Romania next week to assess progress made in the reforms.
