Romanian Opp Party Head Set To Join Unions' Protest Rally During No-Conf Motion Debates In Parl

Victor Ponta, head of Romania’s opposition Social Democratic Party, which initiated a no-confidence motion to overthrow the democratic liberal Government, said Monday he would join unionists’ protest rally planned on October 27, when the Parliament is to debate and vote on the motion.

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Ponta said social democrats will do their best to join the rally, adding anybody, either party member or not, is welcome to join protests. Ponta also said the fight against a democratic power can be held in Parliament, but stressed, however, that Romanians are now fighting a dictatorial and mafia-type structure. He went on saying that if people choose to stay home, instead of joining protests, then, they will never be able to get rid of the incompetent people at the helm of the country.

Ponta also blasted Tourism Minister Elena Udrea, of the ruling Democratic Liberal Party, for her recent statements alleging people are not allowed to join Wednesday's public demonstrations against the Government.

Ponta also warned the Government to refrain from using "illegal means" in order to hinder planned protests. He also accused the ruling power of attempting to obstruct both planned protests and parliamentary works on Wednesday.

Last week, Romania's major union federations said they were planning a major rally in capital Bucharest on October 27, when Parliament is to debate the opposition's no-confidence motion that aims to overthrow the Government over its austere measures.

Romania's opposition parties submitted a no-confidence motion in Parliament last Monday, hoping to bring down the center-right coalition Government led by Emil Boc. The opposition needs the votes of at least 236 lawmakers of the 471-seat Parliament to oust the Government. Opposition parties currently have a total 214 seats in Parliament.

Romania implemented a series of austerity measures this summer, including a 25% pay cut in the public sector, to keep the budget deficit in check and make sure its EUR20 billion aid package from the International Monetary Fund and other lenders stays on track.

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