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Romanian President Basescu Likely to Remain in Power

14 05 2007  

Bucharest __ Romania's suspended President Traian Basescu seems likely to survive a referendum on May 19 on whether he should be impeached, according to a poll published on Monday. 

The survey conducted last week estimates that some 70 per cent of Romanians will vote against the popular president's removal from office, 5 percent more than a poll conducted in April predicted.

The number of Romanians supporting Basescu's dismissal has also risen to 23 per cent, compared with 20 per cent in April.

During the weekend, tens of thousands of Romanians showed their support for Basescu at demonstrations held across Romania. The Romanian diaspora organised rallies in support of Basescu in Paris, London, Madrid, Montreal, Chisinau and other cities.

Basescu was suspended on April 19 on charges of abuse of power, after ruling liberals and opposition deputies accused him of violating the constitution and abusing his role as a mediator between political forces in the country.

Romania`s constitutional court issued an opinion on the matter, saying it found no major infringements. Basescu, who has also been accused of corruption and involvement in secret police activities, has denied any wrongdoing.