Social Democrats assemble on Monday in extraordinary National Executive Council meeting

Social Democrats on Monday assemble in extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, having on the agenda the situation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta, in the context in which President Klaus Iohannis said the first option is a Government resignation following the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) request to open a criminal investigation against Victor Ponta.

In the opinion of the head of state, postponing such a decision will generate a major image issue for Romania.

Initially, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) National Standing Bureau meeting was scheduled for Monday, but following the hearing at the DNA of PSD Chairman Victor Ponta in the Sova case, the party leaders were convened in Bucharest. The meeting will take place at 15,00, at the Palace of Parliament.

The National Anti-corruption Directorate on Friday announced that prosecutors decided to open a criminal investigation against Prime Minister Victor Ponta on forgery, continued complicity to tax evasion and money laundering in a corruption case involving the legal counselling for the energy companies of Turceni and Rovinari, allegedly perpetrated by Victor Ponta when he was a lawyer.

After this announcement, Victor Ponta showed that politics is done in Parliament, not at the DNA, and pointed out he was appointed by Parliament and only Parliament can dismiss him. "I had a very correct and civil institutional talk with President Klaus Iohannis! I respect his public position, but I was appointed by Parliament and only Parliament can dismiss me! I think the observance of constitutional principles is vital for our society, and under no circumstances can I accept a DNA prosecutor is above Parliament, the Government and the citizens of this country! It would mean...