No-Confidence Motion Obligatory If Govt OKs Cost Cutting Plan – Romanian Senate Chairman

"If the Government asks for a vote of confidence to pass these unreasonable and antisocial measures to reduce pensions, salaries and other social benefits, the Opposition will have to submit a no-confidence motion," said Geaoana, adding other solutions to cut spending may be considered, so that people with low income should not be affected.

Social democrat leader Victor Ponta said Saturday that, by the end of the current parliamentary session, two no-confidence motions against the Government might be submitted, one regarding the lack of anti-crisis measures and another if the Government gives a confidence vote to the cost cutting measures agreed with the International Monetary Fund.

Romania is set to slash public sector wages by 25% and pensions and social benefits by 15% and has also pledged to fire 70,000 state employees this year, to tighten its ballooning budget deficit and meet the requirements of a EUR20 billion rescue loan led by the International Monetary Fund.

Romania's Economic and Social Council, a body consisting of union and employers' representatives and government officials, is expected to approve Monday the most recent letter of intent of the Romanian authorities under the agreement with the IMF, before the Government and Parliament give it green light.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.