Romanian Liberal Leader Disclaims Resignation Rumor, Rejects Alliance With Democrats

People close to the matter told Gandul daily Tuesday Antonescu would resign if liberal leaders accept President Traian Basescu's proposition to form a Government coalition.

"We will not govern along democrat liberals. During the meeting of the Central Standing Office I will propose the National Liberal Party to prove it is a powerful party that sticks to its principles, a unitary party that respects its voters," Antonecu said.

Antonescu added both he and his party want to govern the country, but not in any conditions or irrespective of the Government partners, adding the National Liberal Party will not be part of a "puppet" Government unwilling to observe any democratic rules.

Asked whether he would accept to govern along democrat liberals if the future prime minsiter is liberal, Antonescu said the prime minister seat must be achieved, not offered.

"The prime minister seat is not something that is offered to someone, this position must be gained by parliament majority. The prime minister position is not something the president brings from home," Antonescu said.

Liberal vice-president Ludovic Orban said Wednesday before the meeting of the party's Central Standing Office liberals must wait for the results of the presidential election to be validated, adding under no circumstances will liberals be part of a "puppet Government" where Basescu pulls the strings.

Orban said he is waiting for the ruling of the Constitutional Court regarding the validity of the presidential election outcome, adding he thinks Basescu was reelected because elections were rigged.

Orban said decisions on any political alliances and Government partners cannot be made until the Contititional Court validates the election.

The Social Democratic Party, whose presidential candidate Mircea Geoana was backed by liberals in the presidential election runoff, decided to challenge the election outcome at the Constitutional Court and the Central Electoral Bureau, claiming the election was rigged.

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