Communist M.P.: Either we get absolute power or we join opposition

Former Presidential advisor and Communist M.P. Mark Tkaciuk said that his party would not accept half-measures and would either try to gain control of every reign of power or join the opposition, and return to governing a few years later. Mr. Tkaciuk added that his party is ready to lose possible early legislative elections again. „Four or eight years in opposition is not a long time for a party like the Party of Communists,” he stressed.

Mr. Tkaciuk's statement come a few days before the ruling Alliance and the Party of Communists (PC) are supposed to begin talks about the presidential election. The Alliance has enough seats (53) to elect a Government and a Speaker, but is eight short of electing a head of state without Communist help.

Another Communist M.P., Vladimir Turcan, said the Party of Communists would vote for an apolitical President and said it should get one of the three main leadership positions in the country. Veronica Abramciuc (PC) said earlier that her party should get to pick the President.

The four Alliance members have said they will not conduct "negotiations" with the Communists and focus instead on "dialogue."