Guest writer Ronnie Smith covers the latest political turmoil in Romania, with the vote of no confidence last week and the naming of a new head of Government. 

Following the much-heralded defection of a number of Democratic Liberal Party (PDL) members of parliament to both The National LIberal Party (PNL) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the opposition coalition was finally able to win a vote of no confidence and unseat the PDL government on Friday, April 27 .

The event was made more impressive by its timing, clearly worked out in advance and part of a plan well-executed by the Ponta/Antonescu team. The arrival of the IMF/EU/World Bank team meant that President Basescu could not afford to stall the appointment of a new government and leave this high-level delegation either hanging around while the usual bickering took place, or leaving with no discussions on Romania’s financial status whatsoever. Mr Basescu’s back was pushed firmly to the wall and it was clear how unhappy he was with the situation when he announced Mr Ponta as Prime Minister on TV on Friday evening.

So, Mr Ponta is now Prime Minister and his coalition colleague, Mr Antonescu, is very well placed to become the next President of Romania. Of course, a number of important questions have now been raised.

Will the new governing coalition push on with their obvious desire to impeach Mr Basescu and trigger an early presidential election? One would expect so after this success and after seeing Mr Ponta’s cold body language in the presence of Mr Basescu on TV on Friday night.

How will the new government approach the talks with the IMF/EU/World bank mission, which are happening now and what will be the outcome for Romania’s short and medium term financial stability? How will Mr Franks of the IMF approach the new government and the new political situation in general?

What is the new government’s approach to the outside world and the United States in particular, as guarantor of Romania’s current status in the international community? We will see the answer to this in the next few days.

Most importantly for the future of Romania, will the new government finally produce a credible program of public policy initiatives, tackle corruption at all levels and get the country moving forward?

Interesting times ahead.

By Ronnie Smith

Ronnie Smith is Scottish and now lives in Romania, working as a professional training business consultant and communication coach. He is also a teacher of political science, a political and social commentator and a writer of fiction.

The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Romania Insider.com.