Romanian government falls in confidence vote
2009-10-13

Nations Romania City Bucharest Category Regions Regions Europe Source (AP)

BUCHAREST, Romania - The Romanian government has fallen in a confidence vote in Parliament, with lawmakers saying it has failed to improve the economy.

Lawmakers voted by 258-176 to oust the centrist minority government of Emil Boc. It is the first time that Parliament has dimissed a government since communism ended in 1989.

Although the vote ostensibly was aimed at punishing Boc for his economic performance, it comes ahead of Nov. 22 presidential elections where President Traian Basescu is favorite to win for a second term.

Basescu is close to Boc, who heads the Democratic Liberal Party. Opposition lawmakers hope to dent his chances.