Romanian Democrat Liberals Meet Monday To Discuss Negotiations For Future Govt

Although centrist democrat liberals have the most seats in Parliament, 167, that is not enough to push through a new prime minister to replace Emil Boc, whose Cabinet collapsed mid-October in a no-confidence vote.

Romania needs to have a stable government with full powers to start getting further disbursements of a EUR20 billion IMF-led bailout loan it relies on. However, Basescu's democrat liberals will have to seek political compromise because a new Cabinet needs 236 lawmaker votes to pass.

All other Parliament parties teamed up to back Geoana in the presidential race and had planned to make up a government with Sibiu mayor Kalus Johannis for prime minister.

Basescu has said repeatedly he believes the country needs a right-winged government, but liberal leader Crin Antonescu retorted two days before the election that liberals would not team up with Basescu's democrats even if he were to win 100% of the vote Sunday.

Parliament, however, has yet to hold a confidence vote on the Cabinet proposed by Prime Minister-designate Liviu Negoita. If lawmakers fail to give the country a proper government, Basescu can dissolve the legislature and trigger early elections. However, he has said he prefers not to do that, arguing Romanians are sick of elections.

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