Romanian govt. likely to win Dec 9 election – pollNovember 2, 2012 - 14:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Romania's leftist government is firmly on course to win an outright majority in a Dec 9 parliamentary election with an opinion poll on Friday, Nov 2 showing the first rise in support for the party since a political crisis earlier this year, Reuters reported. The survey by pollster IMAS showed 57.4 percent of Romanians would vote for Prime Minister Victor Ponta's Social Liberal Union (USL), only slightly down from the 60 percent it was polling before a failed attempt to impeach rightist President Traian Basescu in the summer. The Alliance for the Romanian Right (ARD), a new grouping of center-right parties dominated by the opposition Democrat Liberals - deeply unpopular for enforcing past austerity measures - had support of 16 percent. The populist party of media tycoon Dan Diaconescu - who advocates steep tax cuts - was third with 14.9 percent. Analysts have said Basescu, who has strong ties with the ARD and as president gets to appoint the prime minister, may try to appoint an ally to form a coalition government if the USL fails to win an outright majority. Uncertainty over future policy after the election is raising concerns among investors over how closely Romania will stick to reforms required under its 5 billion euro aid deal led by the International Monetary Fund. The poll, done at the request of daily newspaper Adevarul, surveyed 1,039 people between October 10-18 and had a margin of error of 3 percent. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |