Romanian PM Sabotaged By His Own Cabinet - President

Basescu told democrat liberal lawmakers the prime minister "was sabotaged by his own Cabinet", as "none of the measures to restructure ministries and government institutions announced by the prime minister were applied," people with direct knowledge of talks told MEDIAFAX.

The head of state highlighted the austerity measures drawn up by the Government are the only feasible solution, adding that, if these measures are not applied, no money will be available to pay pensions and salaries next year.

The prime minister will seek a confidence vote in Parliament Monday for two draft laws that make up the Government's austerity plan, which cuts public sector wages, pensions and social welfare benefits and regulates certain aspects regarding pensions.

The Romanian Social Democratic Party said it would submit two no-confidence motions against the Government, one for each of the two laws, and liberals announced they will uphold any no-confidence motion which aims to overthrow the Executive. Social democrat and liberal lawmakers total 212, and the no-confidence motion needs 236 pro votes to be adopted.

If the Parliament approves a no-confidence motion submitted within three days of a confidence vote sought by the Government, the Cabinet is dismissed. If the Government is not dismissed, the draft law is officially adopted and the Government must assume full responsibility for enforcing it.

Romanian union federations anounced they will stage a 3,000-person rally outside Parliament headquarters Monday, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., when the Government is expected to seek a vote of confidence for its austerity plan.

Unionists will urge the Executive to give up measures which cut wages, pensions and social benefits, and will call on lawmakers to vote for the no-confidence motions against the Government. The 3,000 unionists will block the five entrances to the Parliament when Boc arrives for the confidence vote procedures.

Some 1,500-2,000 unionists will continue to rally outside Parliament Tuesday and Wednesday.

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