Traian Basescu

Romanian President Traian Basescu has survived a referendum on his impeachment.

The country’s election bureau estimated turnout at 45.9%, which is below the 50% required to make the result valid, BBC reported.

Mr Basescu, who has been suspended by parliament, had asked his supporters to boycott the vote.

However, according to the latest polls, about 65% of the electorate wants to remove Mr Basescu.

The centre-left government had accused the centre-right president of exceeding his authority and of meddling in government affairs.

The referendum is the latest twist in an ongoing power struggle between Mr Basescu and Mr Ponta, who has been the driving force behind efforts to unseat the President. Mr Ponta, who is himself embroiled in a scandal over plagiarism, challenged Romania’s Constitutional Court and has been accused of threatening judges whom are aligned to the President. The prime minister’s actions have provoked harsh criticism from the EU.

The row has paralysed political decision-making in Romania at a time when it is finalising agreements on an IMF-backed aid package.

Also Romania’s international partners have expressed concern about political situation in the country.

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