Accessibility links

Breaking News

Romanian PM Faces No Confidence Vote


FILE - Romanian Premier Victor Ponta is surrounded by media as he exits the national anti-corruption prosecutors office.
FILE - Romanian Premier Victor Ponta is surrounded by media as he exits the national anti-corruption prosecutors office.

Romania's parliament has begun to debate a vote of no confidence against the prime minister, a week after he went on trial for corruption charges.

Premier Victor Ponta is on trial on charges of tax evasion, money laundering, conflict of interest and making false statements while he was working as a lawyer in 2007 and 2008. He denies wrongdoing.

He is likely to survive Tuesday's vote, as the opposition has been unable to muster sufficient support.

President Klaus Iohannis has urged Ponta to resign, saying his refusal has undermined Romania's anti-corruption drive.

Ponta argues that Romania's economy has recovered during his tenure and his dismissal would bring political instability.

He became prime minister in 2012.

XS
SM
MD
LG