As all things political in Romania continue to make headlines in the international media, British publication the Financial Times has reported on the presidential impeachment referendum, held on July 29. The article reports on PM Victor Ponta's statement that he will respect the invalid result and the return of Traian Basescu to the presidency.

However, the Financial Times warns that Romania may see a bitter political struggle between Basescu and PM Victor Ponta's leftist government, with no relief until after the elections in November.

Ponta hailed the referendum result as a firm basis for the legitimacy of his government and that Basescu can no longer claim the support of the Romanian people. “It is very clear right now from our point of view that the government has a majority that is very legitimate. The political legitimacy of the president is going to be very weakened,” said Victor Ponta, quoted by the Financial Times.

The article also reports on conciliatory noises President Basescu has made since the vote. The Financial Times spoke to Romanian voters in Fundulea, a town near the capital. According to the Financial Times, it was difficult to find people who supported Basescu and the article quotes two voters firmly in favor of his impeachment.

Read the full Financial Times article.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com