CHISINAU, September 11 (RIA Novosti) - Vladimir Voronin, who resigned as Moldova's leader on Friday, strongly criticized the incoming leadership in a national address, accusing them of pursuing personal power agendas.

Voronin, who leads the Communist Party, served two consecutive four-year terms as president, but was barred by the constitution from seeking a third term. Parliament, now led by a pro-Western coalition, has yet to elect a new leader.

"I pass the reigns of power in the country to the hands of the new leadership with a heavy heart... I do not believe that politicians who have united themselves only on negative emotions and openly blackening the name of their own country, while seeking divisions of power, are capable of offering society a positive program," he said.

Under the country's constitution, newly elected parliamentary speaker Mihai Ghimpu, will serve as acting president. Ghimpu, who leads the Liberal Party, has openly supported unification with Romania.

Voronin said: "I do not believe in their ability to be a united team, and to run the state with your fundamental interests at heart, rather than for their own goals and interests. I am not aware of any examples of successful government based on the idea of liquidating one's own country, and on dreams of its destruction."

However, Voronin said he wants to remain optimistic.

"Firstly, because half of Moldovan society has unambiguously and categorically spoken for continuing our chosen course of reforms and reorganization. Secondly, because in our country only the people themselves take the final decision on how it will develop, where it will move, and to what goals and heights to aim for.

"I am optimistic, because Moldova was and must remain a democratic country. And this means that our country has a future."

Voronin officially ceased to be president on Friday, when parliament received his resignation.

The ruling majority in the Moldovan legislature currently falls eight votes short of being able elect a new leader. If no president is chosen, the legislature must be dissolved and a new parliamentary election called, according to the constitution. However, parliamentary elections may not be held more than twice a year, meaning no further elections can be held in 2009.