Romanian Liberals Refuse To Govern Along Democrats In "Puppet" Govt – Liberal Leader

Antonescu said the National Liberal Party will not govern along politicians that act as a dictatorship, as the country's single party, using state institutions in their own interest.

Antonescu said the party's Central Standing Office gave him a confidence vote and decided he will lead future negotiations with political parties and civil society to find the best solution for the country's future government.

Antonescu said Wednesday, before the meeting of the party's Central Standing Office, he will not resign from the leadership of the party and liberals will not govern along democrat liberals, adding the prime minister position should not be offered, but gained.

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.

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.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.