Romanian Parliament Blocks Opening of Criminal Proceedings Against PM

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta makes a statement on the stairs of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (DNA) headquarters, were he went to answer prosecutors` questions, in Bucharest, Romania, 05 June 2015. Photo: EPA

The Romanian Chamber of Deputies rejected in a plenary sitting on Tuesday the opening of criminal proceedings against Prime Minister Victor Ponta.

A total of 351 deputies cast their votes, with 231 voting against and 120 in favour of the request of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) to initiate criminal investigation procedure.

Ponta described the result of the vote as a “normal one”, while President Klaus Iohannis criticised the parliament for having turned into a “protection shield for one single person”.

According to Iohannis, the ruling majority demonstrated irresponsibility and defiance of justice, which could have negative repercussions for the image of Romania.

The president reaffirmed his call on Ponta to resign, having already demanded his resignation on Friday, AGERPRES news agency reports.

DNA prosecutors launched an investigation against Ponta on suspicion of conflict of interests in his capacity as prime minister.

The prosecutors ordered the investigations on allegations of forgery, continued complicity to tax evasion and money laundering.

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