Romania premier resigns amid corruption charges
Romania's Prime Minister Victor Ponta has resigned as the head of the country’s ruling party amid allegations of corruption that have prompted calls for him to step down as government leader.
Ponta announced his resignation as head of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) on Sunday, saying he will take his leadership back after he proves his innocence.
“In order not to let this situation affect the PSD, I have decided to suspend my leadership role in the party until I have proven my innocence,” Ponta wrote on Facebook.
Ponta, who has been under investigation since last month over charges of fraud, money laundering and tax evasion, has refused to resign his post as premier citing his duty “to millions of Romanians.”
The allegations against Ponta relates to his activities as lawyer before he became prime minister in 2012.
Separately, prosecutors suspect he is guilty of becoming involved in a conflict of interest as premier. He denies any wrongdoing.
The 42-year-old prime minister is due to appear before anti-corruption prosecutors on Monday.
The probe against Ponta is the latest in a series of anti-corruption probes in recent months, which have led to the arrest or removal of several prominent Romanian officials.
Earlier in March, Romanian Finance Minister Darius Valcov stepped down after an investigation into his alleged corruption and abuse of power as a former mayor of the southern city of Slatina.
Romania, seen as one of the European Union (EU)’s most corrupt member states, has in recent years cracked down on corruption, prosecuting thousands of public servants.
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