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Romania's Ruling PSD Party Loses Majority After Ally Quits

Reuters

   BUCHAREST - Romania's ruling Social Democrats (PSD) lost their small
   parliamentary majority on Monday after a junior ally quit government
   over policy, leaving them vulnerable to a confidence vote.

   Liberal party ALDE withdrew from the alliance two days after leader
   Calin Popescu Tariceanu lost a bid to become the sole pro-government
   candidate in a presidential election scheduled for November. The PSD
   instead picked its leader, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, to challenge
   incumbent Klaus Iohannis.

   ALDE's move, a year before a parliamentary election, would normally
   raise the prospect of an early ballot. But a fragmented opposition may
   prefer to wait the full term out, analysts say.

   "I don't see many (other parties) rushing to take over now," said
   political commentator Cristian Patrasconiu. "(Waiting for the election)
   is the most rational political stance."

   Himself a former prime minister, Tariceanu said the PSD had performed
   poorly in government and failed to take the necessary steps to
   restructure the cabinet. ALDE's decision to pull out however not been
   easy, he added.

   EU and U.S. authorities have strongly criticised the governing alliance
   for an overhaul of Romania's judiciary that they say threatens the rule
   of law, and for watering down anti-graft legislation.

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