President Basescu rejects idea of government of technocrats, suggests government of national unity

Romania President Traian Basescu invited political parties for consultations at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday to inform them on his conclusions following Tuesday talks on a new government, to replace the Democratic Liberal government of Emil Boc, which lost a censure motion in the Parliament. Basescu made a series of statements on Wednesday, showing that he would not want a government of technocrats as suggested by opposition parties, but instead would support a government of national unity.

Basescu said, among others, that:

• I suggest the idea of a government of national unity as the only solution to stop accusations between political parties.
• I understand that most political parties opt for an independent prime minister, we may discuss the issue but the rest of the government must be a political one
• What serious technocrat would accept to take over as prime minister for a month and a half only for politicians to tell him then that it’s time to go?
• Parties should reflect on the responsibility of governing in a period when the economic situation risks getting out of control.