Romania’s Foreign Minister Steps Down

A file picture dated 27 January 2014 shows Romanian foreign minister Titus Corlatean as he makes a statement at the Romanian Foreing Ministry headquarters, in Bucharest, Romania. Photo EPA/BGNES

Romania's Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean resigned on Monday amid protests against the government which protestors say had prevented expats from voting for president.

Thousands of Romanians living abroad have compained they were unavle to vote in the first round of the presidential election on 2 November due to the insufficient number of polling booths. In Romania, protest rallies were held in several Romanian cities over the weekend with participants in them saying the government had made it impossible for expats – most of whom oppose the Social-Democrat government – to cast ballots.

Stepping down, Corlatean said allowing additional polling booths at Romania’s embassies and consular offices abroad would break the country’s electoral regulations

Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who is leading after the first round and is expected to win a run-off vote on 16 November against Klaus Iohannis, replaced Corlatean with Teodor Melescanu.

Romania’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it would send 800 officials to diplomatic missions abroad to make it easier for expats to vote.

Ponta pledged the government will provide all necessary conditions for Romanian voters living abroad to cast their ballots on 16 November.

The number of Romanian expats is estimated at about two million.

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