Romanian Interior Minister Says Govt Ought To Resign If Obliged To Hike Taxes

Blaga stressed, however, that if the no-confidence motion passes in Parliament, then, it wouldn't be right to appeal the vote with the Constitutional Court, because the Government must clearly show that it either has or doesn't have lawmakers' support, a press release of Pro Tv reads. Blaga underscored he is convinced that if challenged with the Constitutional Court, the Government's austerity measures will be approved by the court.

The minister said he learned about Romania's gloomy situation in January 2009 and added the Government could have taken austerity measures back then, "but nobody considered it necessary" to take such measures at that time. He went on saying that "Romania faces the harshest situation since the Second World War."

Blaga also said, with respect to Romania's accession to the Schengen Area, that he is certain Romanians would rejoice free movement in Europe as of March 28, 2011.

Early May this year, Blaga said Romania has managed to absorb over 80% of the European Union funds earmarked for accession to the Schengen Area and has received positive reports on maritime, air and ground borders, during various assessment missions. Blaga vowed that Romania will join the Schengen Area on March 28, 2011, and that Romanian authorities will use a plan of priority measures to meet all requirements for accession to the Schengen Area until December 2010.

Boc earlier this week sought the lawmakers' confidence vote for the country's austerity plan, which cuts social welfare benefits, pensions and public sector wages. Boc warned that Romania risks payment default unless it cuts budget spending. The austerity plan should help the recession-hit country bring its economy on track and convince the International Monetary Fund, which is leading a EUR20 billion rescue package agreed last year, to disburse further installments of the loan.

Boc is now facing a no-confidence motion, submitted against the two austerity laws by the social democrats. The standing offices of Romania's two chambers of Parliament decided earlier this week that the no-confidence motion will be put to the vote Tuesday, June 15, at 10:00 a.m..

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