Romanian prosecutors name PM Ponta as defendant in crime probe

Romania’s Prime Minister Victor Ponta was questioned by prosecutors on Monday as part of a corruption probe that has sparked calls for him to resign.

He says the allegations of forgery, cash laundering and tax evasion, courting from earlier than he turned prime minister, are politically motivated and has denied any wrongdoing. Ponta announced Sunday, July 12, 2015, that he resigned as head of Romania’s ruling Social Democracy party for the duration of a probe launched last month by the country’s anti-corruption prosecutor’s office into allegations that include tax evasion and money laundering.

The 42-year-old prime minister was absent for three weeks after he had a knee operation in Turkey and resumed his post Thursday.

Ponta expressed hope that his party fellows will successfully provide the PSD leadership during this period.

Ponta is accused of receiving the equivalent of around 55,000 euros ($61,000) from Dan Sova, a political ally and member of parliament suspected by prosecutors of abuse of power but who also enjoys immunity.

“The PSD president is being investigated by the DNA (anti-corruption prosecutors) … in a bid to not let this example hurt the party, I inform you about my determination to carry no positions within the party till I show my innocence”.