Liberals' Iohannis willing to run for President if party nominates him

National Liberal Party (PNL) Chairman ad interim Klaus Iohannis reasserted that he is willing to run for President, if nominated by his party; he pointed out that he seriously considers a victory against incumbent PM Victor Ponta in the presidential race.

'If the party proposes it, I am willing to candidate,' Iohannis said on Monday evening at Realitatea TV.

He mentioned, 'This is an idea that should come from the party,' not from himself.

The liberal leader asserted that PNL chapters should thoroughly debate a presidential candidacy.

'I think this is an approach that perfectly suits the way we Liberals see things as a party; we want a party consultation. (...) In a couple of weeks, probably, we should be able to talk about our candidate, PNL's candidate; a procedure of harmonization of the points of view should follow, and the selection of a single candidate for PNL and PDL [Liberal Democratic Party], Iohannis declared.

He acknowledged that PM Victor Ponta, the head of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) would be a strong competitor in the presidential race; nevertheless, he seriously considers the possibility of eventually defeating Ponta.

Iohannis detailed that PNL's Congress would probably nominate a presidential candidate, then there should be a poll on PNL and PDL potential candidate, and in the event of a draw, an in-depth study or a political decision should follow.

The Chairman ad interim said his predecessor Crin Antonescu is a friend of him, and one of the strongest and most sophisticated Romanian politicians. He added that he understands and supports Antonescu's decision of not running for party chair or for President of Romania.AGERPRES