Romanian President calls for early elections in 2005

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - May 26, 2005)


Bucharest, May 26 – Yesterday, during a press conference, Romanian President Traian Basescu said now is the right time for early parliamentary elections.

"A solid parliamentary majority would be needed provided what we have to do until January 1, 2007," he said.

January 1, 2007 represents the target date for Romania's EU accession. Amid European political turmoil related both to EU Constitution and EU enlargement process – to include Romania and Bulgaria –, early elections in Romania are not likely to significantly affect the country's European roadmap.

Moreover, parliamentary doctrinal environment has changed in Romania since elections last year, as some political parties tried hard to gain EPP's attention and acceptance (i.e. the Democrat Party).

On another hand the main opposition Social Democrat party (PSD) looks more and more weak, and the ruling coalition 'DA' (the Democrat Party and the National-Liberal Party) might seek to take good advantage from this situation.


Romania Report