Romanian PM-Designate Says He Is No Pawn, But A Solution

Croitoru had a meeting of about half an hour Tuesday with social democrats, liberals, conservatives, the Hungarian minority party and the group for national minorities which hold together a majority of over 65% In Parliament.

Asked to comment after the meeting on the fact that he is regarded as a pawn in the hands of President Traian Basescu, Croitoru said "I told party leaders today I am nobody's pawn but rather a solution."

Asked whether he would refuse the position of prime minister, as opposition parties suggested he should, Croitoru declined to comment.

Before the meeting, Croitoru said he plans to make the most of the ten days the Constitution gives him to form a government and seek a confidence vote in Parliament and said he has already spoken to high-profile economists who might accept positions within his Cabinet.

Liberal vice-president Ludovic Orban said after the meeting with the designated Prime Minister that the new parliamentary majority told him to turn down President Traian Basescu's appointment.

"I don't understand how he thinks he can get a confidence vote since it's obvious that besides democrat liberal lawmakers, nobody else is backing him for prime minister," Orban said, adding the opposition continues to back Sibiu mayor Klaus Johannis for prime minister.

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