Romanian Opp Social Democrats Might Try To Oust Govt Against During Current Parliament Session

Ponta said the ruling of the Constitutional Court, which said the Government's pension cut plan is unconstitutional, is good news, and added he is not totally satisfied with the Court's ruling regarding the other social categories targeted by the country's austerity measures.

"We miss the fact that the unemployed, state employees who earn low salaries, parents who receive child-rear benefits will be seriously affected by these decisions," Ponta said.

The social democrat leader said the Government should resign as it enjoys neither the Parliament's nor the Constitutional Court's support.

Ponta said he will meet with the leaders of the party's branches in the upcoming days to see what can be done for the country, adding that, if no solution is found, a new no-confidence motion to overthrow the Government might be submitted during the current Parliament session to "free Romania from Boc's scourge".

Ponta said the austerity plan endorsed by the Parliament, after the prime minister sought lawmakers' confidence vote, cannot be applies, adding President Traian Basescu and opposition parties must have the Government ousted.

Romania's Constitutional Court ruled Friday that some of the austerity measures for which the Government received a confidence vote in Parliament are unconstitutional.

People close to the matter said the Court ruled that the provisions concerning the pensions of magistrates are unconstitutional, while those regarding other categories are open to interpretation, but do not require clarification in Parliament.

As per the Constitution, the provisions ruled unconstitutional must be made to conform with the Court's decision within 45 days.

Recession-hit Romania, which is relying on a EUR20 billion international rescue loan led by the International Monetary Fund, has pledged to drastically cut public spending and the Government has adopted laws cutting public sector wages by 25% and pensions by 15%.

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