Romania president says no to Muslim premier

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Romania president says no to Muslim premier
Sevil Shhaideh

Bucharest - Klaus Iohannis gave no reasons for his rejection of Sevil Shhaideh

By AFP

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Published: Tue 27 Dec 2016, 10:42 PM

Last updated: Wed 28 Dec 2016, 12:48 AM

Romania's president sparked fresh political turmoil on Tuesday after rejecting a proposal by the election-winning leftist party to name the EU country's first female and first Muslim prime minister.
Klaus Iohannis gave no reasons for his rejection of Sevil Shhaideh, put forward by the Social Democrats (PSD), but there was speculation that it may be due to her Syrian husband's background.
"I have properly analysed the arguments for and against and I have decided not to accept this proposal," the president said in a televised statement.
"I call on the PSD coalition to make another proposal," Iohannis said.
The PSD had suggested the previously little-known Shhaideh, 52, after its thumping poll victory on December 11 when it won 45 per cent of the vote.


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