BBC News Online: World: Europe

Romanian opposition concerned at role of ex-king

The main opposition party in Romania, the leftist Party of Social Democracy, has expressed concern about what they say is the increasing involvement of the former monarch, King Michael, in political affairs.

In a letter to President Emil Constantinescu, the party accused the media and some government officials of treating the former king like a second head of state.

The comment came as the king named his daughter, Margareta, as his successor.

He was speaking at a reception to mark the fiftieth anniversary of his abdication.

King Michael, who's visiting Romania with his family, said this week that he plans to return permanently.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service