Livni calls for new election

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-27-2008 08:40

The leader of Israel's ruling Kadima party has abandoned her efforts to form a new, coalition government.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R), Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz (L) attend the weekly cabinet meeting in  Jerusalem October 26, 2008. (Amos Ben Gershom/Handout/GPO/Reuters)

Tzipi Livni says she wants early parliamentary elections... a move many are reacting to with skepticism.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that it was not a "happy announcement" but that it was based on Livni's judgment and conclusions.

Ehud Olmert, Israeli Prime Minister, said, "Last night the Vice Premier and the Foreign Minister told me about her decision to meet with the President this evening. She said she would inform him that she has decided that under the current conditions she does not intend to continue to act to form a government and that she will act push forward the elections."

The decision could put already fragile peace talks in limbo for months until the elections are held. People are also worried about the economy.

Tel Aviv Resident, said, "From my opinion, it's very bad cause the economy now is in a very bad situation, and the elections cost a lot of money, and nobody do nothing, it's the worst way now to solve the economy problem."

Livni has been trying to cobble together a government since she took over as head of the ruling Kadima Party from the corruption-tainted Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in September.

But partners in the current coalition, which took power in Many 2006, used the changing of the guard to press new demands.

In a statement on Sunday, Livni said she was willing to make concessions but had to put a stop to impossible demands.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei