Romania's parliament today suspended the president, Traian Basescu, from office for alleged abuse of power, plunging one of the EU's newest members into political crisis.
The 322-108 vote paves the way for a national referendum on the impeachment of Mr Basescu within 30 days.
The president, who denies any wrongdoing, has vowed to resign immediately instead of waiting for the referendum and to run for a new term.
The leftist opposition party PSD proposed the suspension in what analysts said was an attempt by the Social Democrats to regain power after a series of corruption scandals that has eroded public support for the government.
The charges against Mr Basescu, which the constitutional court said were groundless, included fomenting political instability, putting pressure on the judiciary and interfering in favour of interest groups.
The crisis threatens Romania's chances of reaping quick benefits from its new EU membership. Without effective government, the country may struggle to meet the EU's requirements on structural and anti-corruption reform or to absorb billions of euros in aid.
Today's development is the latest twist in a power struggle between Mr Basescu and the prime minister, Calin Popescu Tariceanu, who leads a centre-right coalition government.
The two former allies have been locked in an increasingly acrimonious feud, with each accusing the other of involvement in dubious multi-million-dollar energy deals.
On live television recently, Mr Tariceanu accused the president of intervening to help an aluminium company secure a cheap energy deal. Minutes later, the president phoned in to respond live on air.
The opposition Social Democrats capitalised on internal divisions in the government to push for the president's suspension.