Stolojan says PDSR-PNL coalition possible

Theodor Stolojan did not rule out, on Wednesday evening, on Antena 1 TV station, the possibility of PNL (Liberal Party) participating in a future ruling together with PDSR (Party of Social Democracy). On the same day, PNL prime vice-president Valeriu Stoica had denied, during a press conference, the existence of an agreement between the two parties, stating that his party was “the most different” from that of Ion Iliescu.

“It is in the country’s best interest not to be ruled by a single party,” Stolojan maintained, adding that PNL’s non-participation in a future government is, in his opinion, ruled out as a “practical possibility.” Stolojan specified that the decision regarding a ruling alliance with PDSR would rest with PNL’s leadership.

Theodor Stolojan also said that in case he should be elected President he would accept Mugur Isarescu as a Premier. Stolojan maintained he had never criticised Isarescu on the use of governmental budgetary resources in the electoral campaign.

“I only gave him a friendly piece of advice to be careful with the conflict of interests and with the emergence of a conflict of interests,” Theodor Stolojan said, adding that these concepts are not clearly defined in Romania. He offered as an example the fact that, in any civilised country, the Premier is not allowed to use the Government’s car to attend an electoral meeting.

Theodor Stolojan also said that he was “happy” when the current Premier announced his intention to run for the presidential position because hesitation displayed by the head of Government had created “a state of expectancy and an unclear situation.”

The Liberal Party leadership had announced that the party’s offer regarding the designation of Isarescu as chief of the future government would become meaningless in case he decided to run for presidency.