The two chambers of Parliament held a joint meeting yesterday to debate the no-confidence vote submitted by the main Social Democratic (PSD) opposition party. The document supporting the vote was entitled “1,000 days of chaos. The end of right-wing governance.” Social Democrats criticize the goverment for not ensuring proper absorption of EU funds and not adopting proper social policies. A smaller opposition party, the Conservatives (PC), and representatives of the national minorities, except the Hungarian minority, were present at the joint session, but have refused to cast their vote.
Former allies of the governing Liberal Party (PNL), the Democratic Party (PD), and a small party created by Tariceanu’s opponents, the Liberal Democrats (PLD), announced prior to the session that they would vote against the government. Moreover, they said they would cast their ballots publicly, although the vote was set to be secret. However, several Democrats have criticized the party leadership for allying with the Social Democratic opposition, and said they would vote to keep the current government in office. Prime Minister Tariceanu and members of his Cabinet attended the meeting. During the debate of the no-confidence vote, Tariceanu pledged to discuss with the parties represented in Parliament the possibility of increasing pensions as of November 1, 2007, instead of January 1, 2008, as stipulated in the draft budget for next year.
Legislation to raise pensions was submitted by the Social Democrats and supported by the Liberal government, in a move seen as populist by the Democrats. The idea of submitting a no-confidence vote was first launched prior to the summer parliamentary recess, but the Social Democrats changed their minds repeatedly on the issue, postponing this several times. The document was finally sent to Parliament last week.
