March 15 (SeeNews) - Moldova's pro-EU electoral bloc ACUM said it is rejecting the offer of the ruling Democratic Party (PDM) to form a government coalition in order to break the political deadlock created by last month's inconclusive elections.
"We remain firm in our position. We received a mandate from citizens to free the country from oligarchs and corruption," ACUM leaders said in a joint statement late on Thursday.
This is the second time ACUM has declined PDM's invitation for dialogue aimed at forming a government coalition since the February 24 general election.
On Thursday, PDM vice-president Andrian Candu said the party is ready to offer the prime minister's seat to pro-EU bloc ACUM if the two form a parliamentary majority. Candu also said earlier that if ACUM refuse to enter dialogue again, PDM's decision-making body would meet early next week to decide on further steps.
Earlier this week, ACUM also declined an invitation from the election winner - the pro-Russian opposition Socialist Party (PSRM), to form an alliance.
PSRM won 35 of 101 seats in parliament in the elections, falling short of absolute majority. PDM followed with 30 mandates, while ACUM formed by the pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) led by Maia Sandu and the Dignity and Truth Platform (PPDA) of Andrei Nastase came third with 26 seats. The fourth political force which passed the 6% threshold to enter parliament is Sor Party led by businessman Ilan Sor, with seven seats. The three remaining mandates will go to independent MPs.