Both chambers of Romania's parliament approved Tuesday a minority cabinet proposed by the National Liberal Party (PNL) of Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu with 303 of 469 votes in favour, according to dpa. The support of the opposition Socialists (PSD), presently the strongest parliamentary faction, proved crucial to the vote. Tariceanu rejected early elections and requested a vote for a government that is "capable of completing European integration" and of bringing the standard of living in Romania close to that of western Europe. The cabinet reshuffle would "emancipate political life in Romania from crises" and this was necessary to facilitate other reforms. "We cannot govern and tend to scandals also," he added. On Sunday, Tariceanu announced that the hitherto partner in the governing coalition, the Democratic Party (PD), which is close to President Traian Basescu, would no longer be represented in the cabinet.
