Romanian government survives no-confidence vote

Romania’s centrist coalition government on Tuesday survived a no-confidence vote in parliament that was raised by the opposition over plans to adopt drastic measures to cut spending.

A final count showed 228 MPs voted for the opposition’s motion, just eight votes away from the 236 needed for the motion to pass.

Following the vote, the opposition said it would challenge the government’s planned spending cuts at the constitutional court.

“I am very disappointed with the result because the lives of millions of Romanians laid in the hands of eight parliamentarians,” opposition leader Victor Ponta said.