Romanian President Seeks A Friendly Government

Answering a question, Basescu said he wants a second term as president because he was not pleased with the first one, since he failed to achieve some of his objectives.

Asked why he believes that he will be pleased in five years, should he obtain a second term, Basescu said: „I have learned one fundamental thing: the constitutional arrangement does not allow a president to achieve his program unless he has a friendly government and a prime minister to work with. This is our Constitution. This is why I say my major objective is to secure a friendly government for a future mandate.”

Later, the head of state said he felt defied by Johannis, who did not call him to discuss his appointment.

„How far can one go with defying the president, when you talk to the parties, announce yourself as the choice of the majority and you don’t speak to the president? I was expecting him to call me. In the end, I called him, out of politeness,” Basescu said.

The president said he expected Johannis to share his intentions, his vision, his propositions.

Basescu concluded, however, this was not why he did not accept Johannis as prime minister.