-
13 July 2015
- From the section Europe
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has been charged with three counts of corruption in a long-running investigation, prosecutors say.
He faces charges of fraud, tax evasion and money laundering dating back to when he was a lawyer before he became prime minister in 2012, the country’s anti-corruption agency said.
Some of his property has been seized pending the outcome of the case, the agency added.
Mr Ponta denies any wrongdoing.
Mr Ponta resigned as leader of the governing Social Democratic party on Sunday, but says he will continue to fulfil his duties as prime minister.
The investigation had led to calls for Mr Ponta to resign.
He is accused of receiving the equivalent of around €55,000 (£40,000) from a political ally and MP.
Mr Ponta returned to work on Thursday following a month-long stay in Turkey for a knee operation.