Romanian Liberal Leader Reconsiders, Conditions Alliance With Democrats

"The only context or the only format that could make us consider a possible Government coalition with people like Traian Basescu or the Democratic Liberal Party is that with a liberal as prime minister. This is a condition for dialogue, but I don't necessarily think it is enough, and further negotiations should follow," Antonescu said.

Antonescu, whose party has joined leftist social democrats in the campaign backing Mircea Geoana for president, was confident Geoana would emerge winner of presidential elections and said his party would not team up with Basescu's democrats even if he won 100% of the vote Sunday. Antonescu added Basescu is a "dangerous" president and needs to be unseated.

Antonescu said again that a governing alliance with democrats is out of the question Monday evening, when final official vote counts showed Basescu had been reelected.

Former liberal leader Calin Tariceanu, the country's former prime minister Basescu designated in 2004, said Monday, commenting upon Antonescu's statement, the latter must also take into account the position of other members of the party that have a word to say, adding Antonescu does not lead the party alone.

In response, Antonescu said he is the leader of the party and together with the party's Standing Office will make a decision, adding Tariceanu is free to go join the democrat liberals if he wants to be part of their government.

Romania's incumbent president Traian Basescu obtained 50.33% of the votes in the second round of elections and social democrat contender Mircea Geoana got 49.66%, according to final results released Monday by the Central Electoral Bureau after counts in all polling stations.

The Social Democratic Party decided to challenge the election outcome at the Constitutional Court and the Central Electoral Bureau, claiming the election was rigged. However, social democrats made no such claims Sunday evening when most exit polls, although the results were too close to call, showed Geoana in the lead.

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